Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is excited to be planning a Garden Party fundraiser this year after a two-year hiatus.
Silent auctions, live auctions, a delicious lunch, 50/50 draw and live music will be included with the price of a ticket. All public health COVID regulations will be observed. The date is Sunday, June 5, at the Blackpool Hall.
Fundraising has been a challenge for many local organizations as well as the auxiliary the past two years. The auxiliary continued with our 50/50 raffle, but other funding came from unexpected sources.
We received grants from the TNRD, and Trans Mountain has been very generous. Partnering with the Clearwater and District Hospice Society, a grant from the Community Foundations of Canada through the North Thompson Communities Foundation was received to purchase a new ventilator for Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.
Several “In Memorium” donations from valley residents have been greatly appreciated. The auxiliary received a donation from realtor Melissa Hole after selling a member’s property. This was a first.
Cruisin’ Clearwater and Sunshine Valley Family Fun Day chose Dr. Helmcken Auxiliary to donate to. Members who love crafting sold their wares and donated to the auxiliary. Dee’s Store in Birch Island sold Christmas decorations for a member then topped up the total sales with a sizable donation.
The Vavenby unit of the auxiliary operates a thrift shop on Riverside Road in Vavenby. The little boutique, filled with treasures, is open Wednesdays and Sundays and is staffed with knowledgeable and helpful volunteers. Shoppers can find everything they ever thought they might want for prices that are much less than new. The store also is the agent for the TNRD eco cards for the foreseeable future.
The big red container in the yard is being filled with items that don’t quite make the cut for the store’s high standard of quality. When filled, it will be picked up and the items will be taken for resale and recycling elsewhere.
All these monetary gifts, plus the earning from the Vavenby unit’s thrift shop, were enough to fulfill most of the requests on the hospital’s wish list this year. Our community hospital has a reputation for being well-equipped and the auxiliary is proud to have been supporting them for more than 50 years.
If you are interested in joining a caring, dynamic, busy group, come to the Garden Party. We will have membership forms available and will answer any questions.
Submitted by Penny Christenson
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
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