Jul 04, 2017
(Pictured: Lorraine, aka the Raffle Lady, has helped raised vital funds for GMR research)
Lorraine has been one of our Diggers’ Dozen fundraising volunteers at Greenslopes Private Hospital for nine years. She recently shared with us what inspired her to fundraise for our medical research.
In 2001, Lorraine was stung by mosquitoes and after a period of investigation was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. What followed was a period of reduced mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Through a combination of modern medicine and a whole lot of will power, Lorraine’s health improved. It was then that she decided to give back in honour of the individuals and organisations that helped her manage her ill-health.
As one of our faithful Diggers’ Dozen fundraising volunteers, Lorraine assists with selling the raffle tickets with all proceeds going to support the research at GMRF.
Visitors, staff and patients will not only recognise Lorraine’s warm welcome and friendly smile but her hard bargaining skills – “raffle tickets are $1 a ticket or 5 for $5 whatever you like”.
“It’s an honour to do something positive with such nice and happy people,” Lorraine says.
Lorraine has been an active supporter of our PTSD Initiative, which aims to better understand and manage the symptoms of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). She believes this work has the potential to help everyone, not just veterans.
Since 1990, Diggers’ Dozen have been an integral part of Greenslopes Private Hospital and a constant source of comfort and support for thousands of patients, and their families.
Over the years, they have always been on hand to serve a tea or coffee for a day surgery patient. They have delivered books and magazines to patients recovering in bed, or taken them for a gentle walk. At the Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre, these volunteers have spent time with patients having a chat or sitting quietly holding a hand, just to let them know that they are not alone.
In May 2005, the group pledged $50,000 to Gallipoli Medical Research over three years, a target they hit within two. Since then, they have raffled their way to a total fundraising effort of over $270,000