more than the day to day operating costs. Mrs. Thaddeus Zuill, a trustee, accepted the challenge and relinquished her seat on the Board. And on March 14, 1953 the first meeting of the Auxiliary was held with 11 members under the chairmanship of Mrs. Zuill (Mrs. Warren Hallamore).

Membership in the beginning consisted of Parish and Club representatives. The aims were to foster public interest in the Hospital, to arouse public awareness of its needs, as well as to raise money so badly needed for extra equipment. Duties at that time were very limited, mostly watering and arranging flowers, redecorating some rooms and making swabs and dressings. To broaden their scope of activities in the Hospital, 20 volunteers took the initiative and completed the Nurses Aid Course. Volunteers working on the wards needed some type of distinctive clothing, a pink pinafore was chosen.

Since then, the volunteers have been known as "Pink Ladies.'' Initially funds were accumulated by teas, card parties, raffles, dances and the Annual Christmas Fair. Now our major fund raisers are The Barn, Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, Pink Sand and St. Brendan's Tuck Shop. At the beginning of every year the Auxiliary is given a list by the Administrators of KEMH and St.

Brendan's setting out what particular equipment is needed. And money is voted to each project according to importance. The Auxiliary at KEMH fully equipped the new Maternity Ward, equipped and furnished the new Geriatric Ward, and financed the construction of the Chapel. At St. Brendan's, they financed the renovations of the entrance lounge, doctors lounge, Therapy Centre and voted $35,000 to equipping the Cafeteria.

The very first monetary donation to the Hospital for equipment was approximately $560. Our donation this year was $30,000. Over the years the Auxiliary has netted approximately 31 million dollars.

The Candy Striper Programme is the Junior arm of the Auxiliary.

These high school students work in the Hospital during the summer and at weekends during the school year. This programme is a great success as it presents the opportunity for girls and boys to observe the various career areas within the Hospitals, and to experience the joy of helping others.

The Pink Ladies contribute about 4,000 hours of volunteer work a month.

Approximately 18 volunteers cover the daily shifts at the Coffee Shop, while another five oversee the Gift Shop and the Hospitality Cart. Every day 40 Pink Ladies are kept busy throughout the 52 stations in the Hospital.

Our name -- the Women's Hospital Auxiliary is in the process of being changed to Bermuda Hospitals Auxiliary now that we have male membership.

Regardless of the name the members will always honour the badge and live up to the motto Ex Animo -- Giving unstintingly from the heart.

Submitted by Judith Ingham -- Womens Hospital Aux.