We held a very enjoyable Christmas Lunch at Meaden Hall on Dec. 6, 2017 for all our members. Penny’s Pantry catered another delicious lunch. We were very pleased to have Alan Moberg perform for us. He sang a wonderful selection of songs to celebrate the Christmas Season. Many thanks to our Christmas Lunch Committee.

Our Volunteers work to provide Care and Comfort for the residents of Lady Minto Hospital, Greenwoods Eldercare, and Braehaven. We raise most of our money for donations by operating the Lady Minto Thrift Shop.  In October, 2017 our community awarded the Auxiliary two Salty Awards: for Best Non-Profit and Best Thrift Store.

As part of our 80^thAnniversary celebrations, our auxiliary donated 3 commemorative garden benches to Lady Minto Hospital, Greenwoods and Braehaven.   On July 20, 2017 some members of the original 80^thAnniversary Committee organized a small dedication event at the hospital that included tea with the Extended Care staff and residents.

CANADA DAY CELEBRATION – JULY 1ST, 2017

It was a wonderful Canada Day celebration for our 19 participants in the 150 Challenge at the park in front of the Salt Spring Primary School.  Each auxiliary member  received a gift bag with small gifts and coupons from various island sponsors and the opportunity to meet Elizabeth May.

Our members were encouraged to sign up for the Volunteer and Community Resources (VCR) 150 challenge – to accumulate 150 hours of community service in the first 6 months of 2017. As noted in the August 2017 DGIM publication “The BEST of Salt SpringIsland”. Out of 80 participants and 34 organizations on Salt Spring, 19 of our members completed the challenge.

The Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital and Greenwoods Eldercare Society hosted the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch May 17 for our members at the Lions Hall.  It was a beautiful day and delicious lunch.

The BC Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries’ (BCAHA) 2017 Annual General Meeting and 72^ndAnnual Conference, April 23-26, 2017

Five of our members attended the BCAHA conference in Kamloops.  The theme was “Spring Roundup – Sharing n’ Building on Your Successes”. The sessions on Palliative Care and Alzheimer’s were reported to be excellent. The Thrift Shop session was also worthwhile.

Early in 2017, the Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary Society donated another mural to improve the appearance of an Extended Care Unit interior doorway.

The Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary Society held their Annual General Meeting on March 27, 2017.  It was another good year for our auxiliary.  Our volunteers continue special programs at our local hospital, Greenwoods Complex and Braehaven Assisted Living facilities to support the comfort and care of the patients and residents at these healthcare facilities.   We were pleased to have our Vancouver Island Area Representative, Claire Wessan install our new executive. The audited financial report was presented.  In 2016 we were pleased to donate $167,286 to Lady Minto Hospital and to Greenwoods/Braehaven Elder Care Society for equipment and therapy programs plus $11,000 in scholarships and bursaries.  This money was raised primarily through operation of the Lady Minto Hospital Thrift Shop.

In spite of inclement weather, we held a very enjoyable Christmas Lunch at Meaden Hall on Dec. 7,  2016 for all our members. Lunch was catered by Penny’s Pantry. We were very pleased to have Valdy and Kathleen Horsdal perform for us.  Many thanks to our Christmas Lunch Committee.