They are a cut above the usual club, although there aren't too many rules, and membership's a breeze to belong to the highly esteemed Australasian Order of Old Bastards (AOOB).
The Springwood AOOB, Branch 43, likes it that way because the fewer obstacles the better when you are raising funds for the Westmead Children's Hospital and Springwood Hospital's palliative care unit.
Thanks to the community’s support, Springwood AOOB are platinum donors to the Children's Hospital and are on Springwood Hospital’s rolled gold supporters list with more than $20,000 donated to the hospital’s palliative care unit in the last five years, most recently donating $2500.
"The Old Bastards' ongoing support for the palliative care unit at Springwood Hospital was in recognition of the exceptional care we saw first hand for one of our own," said president Graeme Martin.
Fundraising headquarters is the Royal Hotel which generously provides the forecourt barbecue for the AOOB's delectable sausage sizzle offerings on rolls from Loc's Bakery, snags from Steaks on St George, and onions from the Royal Hotel bistro.
Accepting the recent cheque for the hospital auxiliary, Richard Jackson-Hope said the AOOB had chosen well in its financial backing.
"The professionalism of the staff in the palliative care unit is widely acclaimed and there were plans to increase the number of palliative care places at the little public hospital. The Old Bastards' contribution will be a big help towards supporting the unit's quality care with equipment items, furniture and, possibly, improved garden access which is the great charm of the hospital," he said.
Membership enquiries can be made at The Royal on Saturdays from 10 am or by visiting www.freewebs.com/aoob/aoob.htm for more information.
