What’s “new” and what’s “old” with the Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital?
Old: our Auxiliary was founded in 1910 to provide comfort and care to patients by many different means. This goal has not changed over the years, only our methods and means of achieving these goals. As our hospital has grown so have we. As they say “time does not stand still.”
New: today we purchase items that doctors, nurses, the lab, X-ray departments and staff need to provide the people of Quesnel with the best possible care. We have had new members join our auxiliary – always a welcome addition.
Hey, how about you? We are always in need of new members to lessen the workload of our core of hard workers. Just this past year we have purchased an O2 Incubator for the lab, and a Rapid Infuser for the ER. We are currently working towards a fetal monitor for maternity.
Together with the money we raise from our programs and the help of local community groups, like the Lions Club, the Power Pioneers, Shoppers Drug Mart and several private donations, it goes towards much needed equipment for the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital. Once again, Kirstin Deane of “The Wooley Goodness Shop” made their annual donation of three huge bags of wool for our knitters.
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The loss of a loved can also be remembered by an “In Memory Of” donation to the Auxiliary. To all of you we are very grateful as it enables us to purchase equipment much quicker.
Christmas came early for us, as we celebrated our achievements of over the past year, and excitedly chose our projects for the new year. Sharing a home cooked turkey dinner and honoring four of our members with their five year service pins, and a long stem red rose (Anne Young, Jean Stimpson, Louis Beaulieu and myself) as well as a 10-year pin and rose to Ivy Loftstrom. Individual Auxiliary members every year choose to support Good Cheer for those less fortunate than themselves. As individuals, our members are generous towards community needs as well as the hours they devote to volunteering with the auxiliary.
January will also mark the election of a new executive. Please consider becoming a new member, as we span a huge range of years of volunteer service from one to 49 years. There are various programs you can choose to give your time to all under our auxiliary banner.
So, what was once “old” has simply adjusted to match the changes in our hospital to become something “new.”
On behalf of the Red Squad – those members who proudly wear their red uniforms — we wish you peace and prosperity in the New Year. Whether you are an organization or individual: thank you for your past support and we look forward to your continued support.
Also stayed tuned for some exciting news from us in the very near future.
Marlene Connell is the president of the Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital
