Author: Ray Pern
My name is Ray and I am a proud Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Volunteer.
I’ve recently joined the team of volunteers who work on the Museum of Health project, a major initiative of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. To say it is an amazing project is an understatement, it is made up of so many smaller projects – anyone can become involved.
You might think this blog is about me, however, it is about a project for the Museum, donated by someone close to me, who has not yet even been to the Museum.
My brother Graeme was involved in an accident back in 1983 which left him with the loss of three fingers and his thumb on his right hand. BUT...he’s still got his pinkie!
On the first day out of hospital, we went to Telford’s Hotel (now Burke & Wills), he ordered a pot of beer, picked it up using his pinkie, and sculled it down.
And from that day forward, it’s never been a handicap, never an excuse.
He has repaired motor vehicles, performed services on most all our cars (the older models), built trailers (from scratch), and renovated a minibus for travelling! Nothing defeats him, nothing is too hard, and if he needs someone to help hold something he will always ask.
Graeme needs to be active, he hates to sit still, though he is approaching 70 (he stops most afternoons). We have a family joke - we think up things for him to do for us, whether it's make items or repair something. We think he’s done around 2,379 projects! He started making wooden coasters, just for something to do, that he has given to many people; I’m using one now! He’s making a toy box for a neighbour’s children. For something to do. But also, because he cares!
And when I told him about our stand in building 31 (our current Museum HQ) we are using to hold our W.H.&S items, wardens vest, first aid kit, volunteer/visitor sign in sheets, is not quite adequate - project 2,380 was born.
Unpainted visitor brochure stand restored for the Museum of Health
Painted visitor brochure stand restored for the Museum of Health
"A great piece to house all the items we need! Built and painted in two days.
He is a great family man. He is my Rock, my Friend, my Brother.
And he will help anyone in need. He will “literally” lend a HAND!
Volunteer with the Museum of Health
Volunteers play an important role in the development of our museum and management of our collection.
