LITTLE CURRENT—One might think sitting in a rocking chair, rocking back and forth for five hours would be a piece of cake. Well, yes, there was cake, but that’s beside the point. One must haul one’s rocker into the building, set it up and then sit down. A 10-minute break each hour does not seem long enough, and before you know it, it’s back to rocking, with Marilee Hore keeping tabs and taking to task anyone who, in a lapsed moment, stops rocking.
On Saturday, February 24, 12 members of the Little Current Hospital Auxiliary took part in a major fundraiser, their second annual Rock-a-thon. Joining them for the entire day, with borrowed rocking chair, was Paula Ferguson, vice-president of clinical services and chief nursing officer for Manitoulin Health Services.
There was food (yes, cake too), as everyone brought something to share. There was knitting—lots of knitting—and there was music. The camaraderie was evident, with lots of laughter and conversation, making the five hours fly.
“I remember in Grade 8 we did a rock-a-thon for our class trip,” said Carole LaBelle, who came up with this idea for the group last year. “We always support our children, with all the things they have going on, well now it’s time for them to support us,” she said. “Last year was a complete surprise with how well we did. I would have been happy with $1,000, I thought, if every member brought in $100, it would be great. We made over $5,000 last year!”
This year, two long time members each brought in over $1,000 in donations. Marilee Hore, treasurer of the auxiliary said the final tally this year came to $6,279! St. Bernard’s Church, where the event took place, donated the rental fee back to the auxiliary for their cause. All members agreed, the public’s positive and generous response was overwhelming.
“It’s a good, fun time with a bunch of great ladies,” Ms. Labelle said, as she rocked on.
