Volunteers from the Drouin Auxiliary Opportunity Shop have presented a generous $200,000 cheque to West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group Chief Executive Officer Dan Weeks and Board Chair Christine Holland praised the many volunteers who continued to support the hospital.

“This generous donation will make such a huge impact to our community,” he said.

“The ongoing support and work of the volunteers involved in the running of the op shop is just amazing.

“On behalf of our staff and patients, I thank everyone for supporting the op shop and their fundraising efforts. We are beyond grateful to accept this incredible donation.”

The donation will go towards purchasing a surgical instrument cleaner, orthopaedic drilling equipment, new chairs for Haematology, physiotherapy equipment including an exercise bicycle and a treadmill, over the bed tables for aged care residents and bladder scanners.

Board Chair Christine Holland said the $200,000 donation was something the volunteers should be incredibly proud of.

“This is just extraordinary and the hospital and its staff are incredibly grateful for this huge donation.

“The support of these hard-working volunteers has given so much money to our health service and has improved the patient care our hospital provides to the community.”

The cheque was presented to West Gippsland Healthcare Group during the Drouin Auxiliary Committee’s annual general meeting earlier this month.

Auxiliary Committee President Kerri Nicholl said she was incredibly pleased the donation could go toward purchasing some much-needed hospital items.

“Our volunteers simply love what they do,” she said.

“We have around 30 volunteers who give up their time to engage with the community and help the hospital.

“We all have a great laugh here and enjoy giving back to the community.”

Ms Nicholl said the committee was on the hunt for more volunteers.

“Come along and join in the fun at the opp shop – you can work any hours you like. We sort through the goods we receive, price them accordingly and have a good laugh,” she said.