Members of the auxiliary are now busily selling tickets to its winter raffle. Tickets are on sale from Salamander Bay Square until Friday, July 12.

Great raffle prizes have been donated by businesses. Also being raffled is winter items made by the auxiliary members.

The top raffle prize is a two night stay at Nelson Bay Mantra and a welcome gift pack. Second prize is a beautiful handmade a box filled with woollen items. Third prize is a Moonshadow-TQC cruise for a family of four.

The effort of the auxiliary has seen last year's promised donation to the Nelson Bay hospital of $25,000 fulfilled.

This money has purchased 16 chairs for visitors to sit next to beds, a hospital stopwatch combination, two barometric wheelchairs, an ECG machine and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation machine - a life-saving machine used for chest compression and ventilation on patients in cardiac arrest.

"Completing the hospital's 'wish list' takes planning and hands-on commitment for all members. So much updated equipment is required for patient support and care in our growing community hospital," Denise Sharp from the auxiliary said.

Pauline Faucett, president of the auxiliary, commended members on their efforts for the community hospital.

"The members were all filled with pride knowing their handcrafts have done so much, with so little, and were overwhelmed by local support and generosity," she said.

At the June auxiliary meeting Ms Faucett thanked Narelle Wakelin and Julia Harrison for organising the winter raffle prizes, and Glynis Durrant for coordinating the handcrafted items. She also thanked the male members of the auxiliary for their efforts in raising funds, including setting up tables and marquees for events and running barbecues.

The auxiliary members will celebrate its fundraising efforts during a social event at Soldiers Point Bowling Club on July 24.

Contact Cheryl on 0407 510 159 to attend the July event or to join the auxiliary meeting on the second Tuesday of the month.