County Hospital Auxiliary volunteer logs 10,000 hours

Applause, cheers and a standing ovation marked Rebecca MacKellar’s achievement of 10,000 volunteer hours donated to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Overwhelmed by the honour, she chose not to give an address, but said thank you to her peers attending the organization’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea, Sunday in Wellington.

Tea and treats were served during entertainment provided by the Kitchen family – John, Roanna and Penny.

Auxiliary President Liz Jones noted MacKellar began her volunteer service with the auxiliary in January 1997 and has held many positions and volunteered in multiple services, including the auxiliary executive, blood donor clinic, the coffee cart, dialysis unit, Festival of Trees, Meals on Wheels, Tag Day, and the Second Time Around Shop.

“Over these 20 years or so she’s logged in an impressive 10,000 volunteer hours – the equivalent of 250 40-hour works weeks,” said Jones. “And it is also the equivalent of approximately five years full-time employment, giving you a little idea of the devotion she has had to her volunteer service.”

Jones noted the directors of the board noted this extraordinary effort should be recognized with special appreciation from the auxiliary. She was also presented certificates from the community involvement, the County of Prince Edward and MPP Todd Smith.

Receiving 4,000 Hour Pins: Fran Donaldson, Joyce Minaker, Irene Simpson and Pam Strachan. Ann White received a 3,000 Hour Pin and 2,000 Hour Pins were earned by Charlotte Harrott, Lori Markland, Bev Thompson and Dorothy Vincent Speirs. The 1,000 Hour Pins went to Jonathan Harcourt, Peggy Payne, Enid Squire, Raylene Starling and Jean Waterfall.

Years of service were also recognized.
Evelyn Drew received a 45-year pin; Joan Mercer and Mary Frederick received 35-year pins and Cathy Dunlop a 30-year pin. Evelyn Beaumont and Brenda Minaker received 25-year pins. Honoured with 20-year pins were Norma Currah, Beth McConnell, Bill Fairbairn, Enid Squire, June Fisher, Barbara Gates and Helen Kemsley.

Receiving 15-year pins were Helen Kempers, Nancy Jackson, Nancy Hicks, Mame Franklin, Dodie Dance, Joan Brown and Ilona Anderson.

Ten-year pins went to Margaret Wright, Marlene Tompkins, Maureen Rudd, Sue Rogers, Wanda Robson, Laura Pierce, Joan Nelson, Edith Morash, Sonia McMillan, Myrna Martin, Norma Leet, Anne Kuipers, Darlene Johnston, Carol Inrig, Beverly Hunter, Betty Hastings, Gail Fox, Nancy Finnegan, Dave Edward, Ruth Cooper, Mary-Ann Caswell and Mary Butt.