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Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary garden party successful

The Auxiliary pledged $40,000 this year to purchase items on the hospital’s wish list

After having to postpone the Garden Party for two years because of COVID, the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary decided to go with our 50th anniversary theme, even though we were a couple of years late.

Two of the original founding members, Gail Capostinsky and Gertie McKeown have so many stories to tell about the early years. The auxiliary was formed before the hospital was open and when the hospital opened in 1973, the auxiliary had donated the typewriter used in reception bought for $361.61. This year we pledged $40,000 to purchase most of the items on the hospital wish list.

As well as buying equipment to keep our community hospital current and safe, the auxiliary provides the televisions and the cable programming so there is no cost to patients. Each year, the auxiliary also presents a Clearwater Secondary School student enrolled in a post secondary health care field with a bursary to help with costs.

At the Garden Party, Shelly Sim was our emcee and auctioneer. She kept us laughing and bidding.

The delicious lunch was provided by Gateway Grill, and dessert was strawberry shortcake in honour of Mavis Parker, who hosted the strawberry tea for many years.

We were entertained by Gerta Faber, Linda Mackenzie and Loyd Bishop while we ate lunch and visited. Bob Mackenzie and John Soles serenaded us with a song especially written for the auxiliary several years ago by Bob and I for Thomas.

Thank you! Our garden party was a success because of the generous support of our guests, the local businesses that donated, our table sponsors, Banister and the Trans Mountain employees on Spread 4.

Submitted by Penny Christenson



newsroom@clearwatertimes.com

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