SUNSHINE LEAGUE.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15272, 23 June 1923, Page 6

SUNSHINE LEAGUE.

FIRST YEAR’S OPERATIONS. ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the report of the Waikato Patients’ Sunshine League to be submitted to the annual meeting, which will be held in the Y.M.G.A. rooms on Tuesday next, 26th instill presenting the first annual report of the Sunshine League’s activities, your executive do so with the deepest conviction that the year’s work Clearly proves the necessity and splendid opportunity for service which exists for such an organisation as ours, and that the League has fully justified its existence during the past 12 months. Following, as you know, a suggestion made by Dr. Gower, medical superintendent of the Hospital, at a meeting of the Hospital Board, that very helpful work could be accomplished by a voluntary citizens’ organisation in helping to brighten the monotony of hospital life for the patients, a representative public meeting was convened on June 22 last. At this meeting Dr. Gower occupied the chair, and in his remarks emphasised the t necessity which existed for the formation of a citizens’ association, the function of which would be to co-operate with the Hospital authorities, in endeavouring in any way possible to brighten the lives of the suffering men, women, and children in Hospital. The meeting proved to be deeply sympathetic with the aims and objects of such an organisation. Thus was launched on its beneficent career the Waikato Hospital Patients’ Sunshine League. As a result of thfe year’s work amongst the suffering people in our Hospital, your executive make bold to state that‘the Sunshine League is now one of the best known and most highly valued organisations in the community. As the convenors of the various departments of the League's work will each present detailed reports of the work accomplished in their respective branches, your executive considers it sufficient to here but briefly summarise what has been accomplished by the League during the past 12 months.

1. Voluntary Motort>Runs. —Approximately 500 patients have been taken for afternoon motor runs. These outings in the majority of cases consisted of a run by way of the Narrows to Cambridge, sometimes with a short stay for afternoon tea, and thence back to the Hospital by way of Matangi. Needless to state, these runs have been appreciated most fully by the men and women patients, many of whom had not been outside the Hospital grounds for many months. Only two Saturdays during the whole year have been missed, and these on account of inclement weather. 2. Speolal thought has been given to the children. Outings have been ar- - ranged for those sufficiently convales- . cent to enjoy such entertainments. ! Toys in abundance have been supplied. Two special children’s invalid chairs were imported from America and presented to the children’s ward. , Lastly a children’s playground has 7 been equipped adjacent to the children’s ward containing suitable swings, sea-saw, sandpit, ocean wave, schute, etc. Needless to state, the Childteffis Sunshine Playground is a source of great Joy and benefit to the little ’""patients. This work has been carried oilt in such a permanent and substantial manner as to ensure very many Years of service. Such has been th& work of the League amongst tile children that the Hospital Board, by unanimous resolution of the members have officially named the new ' ' children’s ward the Sunshine Ward Ladies’ Sewing Department.—This perhaps has proved to be one of the most Useful branches of the League s activities. Over 150 garments have been completed ready for dsc by the patients, the material being supplied by the Hospital Board; also about 24 ctishions each with a spare washable ; .-cover have: been supplied to the varioils wards. Visiting Department.—Regular weekly visits have been paid throughout the year to those patients who, coming from distant parts of our Hospital district, have no friends near them. Many Uttle necessities have been provided for such patients. The wearers of the Sunshine League badge are now wen-known throughout the Hospital. I'hc inmates of the Old Men’s Hoitic have been regularly visited, and little comforts, such as pipes, etc., supplied from tlrhe to time. Flowers and magazines have been - supplied in abundance by those in charge of this work, detailed accounts of which will be made by the convenors. ! Several cases of urgent distress have liccn relieved either by the supply of provisions, clothing, blankets, or cistl, as the case warranted. Christmas Day in Hospital.—Special effort was made by tile League lb bring Christmas cheer to the patients lh Hospital. Co-operating with the matron and nursing staff, every patient in Hospital, numbering nearly 206, awoke on Christmas morning to find a suitable Christmas fcift on the pillow with a neatly printed card conveying Christmas greetings from the League, with wishes for A speedy recovery. A strawbeHy and creani treat was provided for all patients able to enjoy

The Bailey and Isolation Wards have been provided with complete croquet set, clock golf, gramophone and records, and such like equipment to help pass pleasantly what might Otherwise bo dreary hours. A regular fortnightly series of musical entertainments have been arranged for the winter months, each ward being entertained in rotation. Your executive report having met 12 times during the year, each meeting being well attended by the members. Finance.—On account of ihe fact

that the League’s work was in its infAiiry, it was with certain fear and trembling that your executive decided to make public appeal for funds with which to carry on the work of tlm League. it. is with much sal is faction that your executive now has to report that whatever difficulties the League may be confronted with in carrying on Its'Sunshine work amongst the patients in Hospital, it will certainly not be lack of funds. As the balancesheet shows, our total receipts'from all sources for the year amount to £459 14s 6d. This large amount has been received with the expenditure of but little effort, such is the readiness of the public to assist the Sunshine League in its work. Your executive wish to convey to the members of the Hospital Board, medical superintendent, matron, sisters and nurses, very sincere thanks for their valuable sympathetic co-op-eration and assistance. Without this assistance, the work of the League could not possibly have been as effective as it has been. Also most grateful acknowledgement is made to the many private motor car owners who have given unselfishly of Iheir lime in providing such enjoyable and beneficial outing l'or the patients. in conclusion, your executive expresses the earnest hope that, tire League will enter on its second year

with renewed strength and vigour, and that the amount of sunshine Which it will be instrumental in bringing Into the lives of the sick and suffering in our Hospital during the year will far outshine that which has been' accomplished during the past twelve months.