Editor:
In 2013 our New Year’s baby was not born until March, gifts and flowers were purchased and given to her family.
We had a new venue for our Appreciation Day and hope we will be able to use it again this year.
We had a table set up at the Farmer’s Market in the Spirit Square and got to visit, many people though-out the afternoon. We hold this event to show our appreciation for the donations from community members and businesses. Donations help us purchase equipment and items for the hospital geared towards patient comfort. Come share coffee, tea and snacks with us again this May.
In June a local student was awarded a bursary during graduation for her future studies in the medical field.
The garden, flower barrels and boxes around the hospital looked great this year, thanks to all the members who planted, weeded and watered for much of the summer. Some of the residents took very good care of the plants on the patio as well.
In October we held our popular annual Turkey Dart Shoot at the Legion. This is our biggest fund raiser and last year was our record breaking amount of money raised- Thank you again Fort St James, we could not do it without you.
In October the Youth Volunteer Program begin again after the summer break. If you know any youth who would benefit from this program, please have them contact us or visit our website for more information.
This fall we began conference planning with auxiliary members in Burns Lake though teleconferencing. We are holding the northeast and northwest area conference here in Fort St James Sept 19-22, 2014.
Fifteen auxiliaries from Terrace to Fort Nelson to Bella Coola are invited to come for three days of entertainment, education and networking. Much time and effort will be needed to see this through.
In December we held another annual event, the Christmas Raffle. Since most of the items were donated it too was a profitable event.
Then vending/gift cupboard, memorial collection/plaque and the executive remain active year round through many hours of volunteerism.
A total of $11,247.84 worth of items has been purchased for the patients and residents of our hospital in 2013.
Some of the items include: two basic wheelchairs, one bariatric wheelchair, three commodes, lamps for patient rooms, refrigerator for palliative room, four T.Vs for patient rooms, games for the permanent residents and an intravenous pump.
If you are interested in joining or want to know more about the Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary, we now have a website you can visit, as well as, an email address. Website: hospitalauxiliary.fortstjames.com Email: slhauxfsj@gmail.com
I feel very grateful to be associated with such big-hearted people in Fort St James. Whether you are a generous donor or a fellow auxiliary thank you for all you do.
Julie-Ann Mortenson SLH Auxiliary