LVGH Auxiliary holds members luncheon on Sept. 12

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The La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary is starting its year on a high note. According to Auxiliary President Marnie Cumming, the group is well on its way to fulfilling a $70,000 pledge the group made to the Picture This Campaign, in honour of its 70th anniversary.

Picture This is a $1.5-million campaign of the Riverside Foundation for Health Care to replace or upgrade much of the hospital’s diagnostic imaging equipment. Although the campaign has surpassed its goal, it’s now up to groups like the Auxiliary to finish raising their pledged amounts.

The Auxiliary has been thrilled by the outpouring of support for events like Rocking for a Reason and the Strawberry Social, which took place over the summer.

With fall here, the next event planned is the quarterly members’ luncheon, to be held on Monday, Sept 12, at Knox United Church. All members and those interested in learning more about the Auxiliary are encouraged to attend. Tickets are available for purchase until 2 p.m. Friday, Sept 9 at Pharmasave, Shoppers and the Hospital Gift Shop.

Following this will be the popular Fall Tea on Sunday, October 16 at the Senior Centre from 2 to 4 p.m. Dainties, fancy sandwiches, as well as a bake table and penny table will be featured.

Plans are also underway for Spirit of Christmas. The date is set for Sunday, November 27 at La Place Rendezvous. It will feature items from local crafters and more. Crafters interested in donating are asked to contact Auxiliary co-chairs Diane Glowasky 274-6264 or Linda Booth 274-4250.

The hospital Gift Shop has enjoyed a great season so far. New items are arriving all the time, and the shop is now able to accept debit card purchases. The store sells hand made baby quilts, sweaters, soft toys and other unique items, perfect for Christmas shopping. The Auxiliary shop is staffed by volunteers, so every dollar raised goes towards local healthcare.

Every dollar counts, when raising funds for the Auxiliary – even the revenue from the hospital vending machines goes toward the purchase of equipment for LaVerendrye Hospital.

The LaVerendrye General Hospital Auxiliary is a volunteer organization, with the sole mandate of raising money to support the purchase of equipment for LaVerendrye Hospital.

There are many different opportunities to volunteer, from working in the Gift Shop to helping at the Fall Tea, Strawberry Social and other special events, selling tickets, or serving on the executive. We are also extremely thankful for all donations that are made to the Auxiliary. The group is looking for volunteers who would be willing to volunteer in the shop one or two afternoons a month, from 12:30 to 3:30. Please contact Jan Beazley 276-1360 for more information.

Both men and women of all ages are encouraged to become members. According to long time member Irene Laing, volunteering with the Auxiliary has given her long-lasting friendships, and a sense of contribution to the community by helping to bring better equipment to our hospital. The annual membership is $12.00. The membership year started September 1. Membership forms are available at the hospital Gift Shop or contact Marnie Cumming at 274-3368.