Irene Laing
The general meeting of the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary was held Monday at Hallett Hall (Rainycrest), with Noreen Robertson presiding.
Guest speaker Teresa Hazel spoke about the confusion over what foundations and auxiliaries do. Auxiliaries not only do fundraising, but provide services, as well.
The La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary was started in 1952 and soon will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The Riverside Foundation for Health Care, meanwhile, was established in 1997 for the purpose of fundraising for Riverside facilities (the three hospitals and now Rainycrest).
It was not intended to replace the auxiliary, but to work with them to make health care the best it can be in Rainy River District.
Through an organized approach to fundraising, $3.5 million was raised in the “Care Close to Home” campaign. The local auxiliary pledged $500,000, which it is still paying off.
Happily, there is only $17,000 left to play on the pledge, which likely will be paid off at the fall tea this year.
Teresa went on to say that the community has so much to be proud of at the hospital, and that the La Verendrye Auxiliary has played a large role in this.
The closing of the Continuing Care Unit at La Verendrye reduced the services the auxiliary was providing, such as tray favours for holidays as well as a Christmas party with gifts for all of the CCU patients.
However, the hospital would like to see an information desk manned by auxiliary volunteers to assist visitors and patients by directing them to various services within the facility.
Teresa bid an emotional good-bye to the auxiliary as this will be the last meeting she attends before moving on to a new job.
She received a standing ovation when President Noreen expressed her pleasure in working with Teresa.
In other news, gift shop manager Marg Kircher reported that the annual lobby sale will take place on Nov. 18. She reminded members that HST is not being charged on items being sold in the shop.
As well, a convener for the lottery is required. Anyone interested should contact Noreen Robertson.
Mary Jane Pearson, the fall tea convener, reminded members that the tea will be held on Oct. 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the New Beginnings Church.
Conveners for the various tables have been appointed and will be contacting their workers.
Anyone interested in working at the tea should call Mary Jane at 274-3326.
Joan Mudge then installed the executive for 2010-11, including Noreen Robertson (president), Irene Laing (vice-president and secretary), Dolores Fraser (treasurer), and directors Betty Cox, Marg Kircher, and Angela LaForest.
Door prizes were won by Del Cumming and Betty Cox.
