During the COVID pandemic, many hospital auxiliaries in Canada were shutting down, not only because of the pandemic restrictions but in most cases, it was because the dedicated members who had been running them for years were just getting tired and wanted to pass the reins along to the next generation. This was the case at the Slocan Community Health Centre, in New Denver, BC, a small community on Slocan Lake, in the West Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, serving a population of approximately 1,000 – 3,000 people depending on who you talk to.
In November 2021 an article in the village’s Valley Voice community newspaper appealed to those interested in seeing the auxiliary continue, asking them to attend a meeting to decide its fate. When the word got out into the community a number of ladies stepped up to make sure the auxiliary continued its good work, and a new executive was formed.
These ladies got off to a running start by first meeting with the Health Centre’s Manager to get ideas for things they could raise money to purchase for the Health Centre or the Assistive Living home called the Pavilion.
They started to come up with ideas for a number of fundraisers, the first one for the new executive was an Easter raffle. Auxiliary members donated items for the Adult and Youth Gift Baskets that were raffled, and a crafter created a beautiful Easter Wreath that was also one of the lovely prizes. Four hundred raffle tickets were sold by membership, and $800 was raised.
Two other fundraisers in 2022 were the traditional Hot Dog & Bake Sales. The sales were a big hit (even a couple of overdone dogs were popular with folks), and all the delicious, donated baking sold out each time. It was a terrific fundraiser with each day raising over $1,100. The proceeds at the first sale went to floor alarms for the residents at the Pavilion, and the second sale proceeds went towards an IV chair for the Health Centre’s Emergency Room.
In the summer of 2023, two slider chairs were purchased for the Pavilion Residential Care Unit. These chairs are used for ambulatory residents who don’t usually use a wheelchair but require occasional assistance. They swivel so the staff can easily move the residents, especially at mealtimes. They are sturdy, well-made, and comfortable for the residents.
In addition to purchasing equipment, the auxiliary also made a $2,500 donation in 2023, to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital’s Tier 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The hospital auxiliary rented a table last November at the Christmas Fair held at the Bosun Hall in New Denver. They had a raffle for three lovely gift baskets loaded with cheeses, chocolates, teas, nuts, cookies, and an array of other goodies. They also had a table full of baking and crafts for sale that were made by the auxiliary members. They made over $900 from the sale and the proceeds went towards hospital equipment and the resident’s needs at the Pavilion. The Hall was packed all day long and it was a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit!
Fundraising got off to a good start in February 2023 with a Valentine’s 50/50 draw of 500 tickets at $2 each. It went exceptionally well! Tickets were so popular that they sold out early. The winning ticket was drawn at the local grocery store, and the very happy winner of $500 was notified.
In April 2023, the Slocan Community Health Care Auxiliary cohosted with the Pavilion Bluebird volunteers, an inaugural Pavilion Art Show and Tea at Knox Hall, in New Denver. It was planned as a community-wide event and was indeed well attended by town folk. The junior school classes also attended and mingled with the Pavilion residents (who had been bussed up to the hall) which was lovely to see. A general happy din of conversation and exclamations of admiration for the display of beautiful art prevailed. The auxiliary served tea and cookies by donation. It was a resounding success with plans to make it an annual spring event.
The auxiliary celebrates the Pavilion resident’s birthdays each month with an afternoon Birthday Tea Party. They sing Happy Birthday to the residents celebrating their birthdays that month and they enjoy a delicious birthday cake made by a local baker. It is a fun afternoon visiting with the residents, and the auxiliary looks forward to this event held on the second Thursday of each month.
| Each year the Slocan Community Health Care Auxiliary is proud to award a $1,000 bursary to a Lucerne Secondary School graduate who plans to attend a post-secondary school in the field of health or medicine. This year it was awarded to Keyah van Engelen, an amazing young woman, who is now attending the University of Victoria, taking Social Sciences for the first 2 years so that in year 3 she can begin her undergraduate in Social Work. Her plan is to complete her master’s in social work or counselling. Last April, at age 16, she took the New Denver Hospice Society Volunteer Training, being one of their youngest-ever volunteers. With this training, she sat two vigils with Pavilion residents this past summer. Pursuing her interest in Hospice work, her current favourite course at university is Death & Dying. Congratulations once again Keyah, you are indeed a deserving recipient! |
| See more members of the month here. |
