Submitted
During the last number of months, with the auxiliary unable to do our regular fundraising, we were fortunate to receive a $27,000 grant from the Community Foundations of Canada, through the North Thompson Communities Foundation, as reported in the NT Times newspaper.
We partnered with the Clearwater and District Hospice Society to purchase a much-needed ventilator for the hospital. Staff has advised us that the ventilator should arrive sometime in the next two months.
Our 50/50 raffle sold out. Also reported in the NT Times, the draw was Nov. 12, and the winner was Erin Drake, a resident of Surrey, whose husband works for Trans Mountain Pipeline. Several pipeline workers supported our 50/50 raffle, and we received a cheque for $500 from Trans Mountain Canada.
When we can freely enter the hospital again, you will notice the sturdy, modern looking new furniture in the reception area. Purchase was made possible by generous donations from Eva Buck and family, Gertie McKeown, a long-time auxiliary member, and Clearwater Vavenby Lions.
The auxiliary then took on the task of selling the old furniture from the hospital. If you missed the opportunity to buy a chair or two, you will have another chance after Christmas to buy from the Auxiliary Thrift shop. Watch for the announcement.
Our thrift store has been on reduced hours since reopening. In January, the volunteers expect they will again open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Generous givers have dropped off an amazing amount of valuable donations and shoppers have found many treasures on the shelves and racks of the store.
The store will be closed Sunday, Dec. 27, allowing staff to take a breather after a very busy summer and fall. Along with donations from a yard sale and knitting and crocheting, we are able to re-address the hospital wish list and are looking at purchasing new equipment for the hospital to make our health care workers’ and patients’ lives safer and more comfortable.
The hospital auxiliary would like to take this opportunity to wish our community a peaceful and safe holiday and a brighter new year.