Renowned for its delicious food and friendly faces, the Rosebud Hospital Kiosk is a beloved cornerstone of both Peninsula Health and the local community.
Since its inception, the Rosebud Hospital Kiosk Auxiliary has raised over $500,000 for Rosebud Hospital, with an impressive $70,000 raised in 2024 alone to fund the purchase of life-saving equipment.
According to Margaret, the President of the Auxiliary, the kiosk’s efforts last year will help fund the acquisition of an infant resuscitaire, a vital piece of equipment designed to provide essential respiratory support to newborns in need.
“Most of our funds come from selling sandwiches and plenty of coffee. Last year, we were fortunate to receive a donated coffee machine, which has made a huge difference to our savings,” explains Margaret. “We also sell lots of knick-knacks like baby clothes, toys, lollies, and jewellery.”
However, the kiosk doesn’t rely solely on sales. It also hosts its own fundraisers and receives generous cash donations from staff and patients alike.
Margaret, who joined the kiosk after retiring to Rosebud, became president just three years ago, following Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns
“COVID was an incredibly challenging and stressful time,” reflects Margaret.
“Before the lockdowns, we had more volunteers, but after everything shut down, it became much harder to find people to help.
Now we have about 35 volunteers who rotate through, with four team members working in the kiosk every weekday.”
The kiosk resumed full operation in 2022, after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
“In recent months, it’s really started to pick up again. Having a place like the kiosk, where families can come together while their loved ones are staying in the hospital for several days or weeks, is incredibly important. There’s a great atmosphere here,” says Margaret.
“Rosebud is an exceptional community hospital. You never hear anyone say a bad word about the service, and I’m so proud that our kiosk has raised over $70,000 to help improve our services for the local community.”
Become a volunteer with the Rosebud Hospital Kiosk Auxiliary. Contact our Volunteer Program manager for more information on 9784 2674 or hwilson@phcn.vic.gov.au