Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
On Nov. 17, the Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Auxiliary members were invited to a luncheon at the Community Centre hosted by Fort St. James Mayor Rob MacDougall and Councillors.
Mayor MacDougall presented the Auxiliary with a plaque to commemorate 50 years of service in the community.
After lunch, the Auxiliary hosted a celebration for the entire community at Stuart Lake Hospital complete with cupcakes.
The community was invited to celebrate the dedication and service that the Auxiliary has and still continues to provide the community of Fort St. James.
“It’s a great group who are always willing to help everyone and we are so thankful to the community for all of their support over the years,” Auxiliary member Sherry Nielsen said.
Fellow Auxiliary member, Jacquie Dagenais couldn’t agree more.
“We all have a common goal. We’ve all had issues where we’ve needed medical care. The hospital is important to all of us,” Dagenais said.
The Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary is a non-profit society dedicated to providing volunteer support service and financial assistance for patient care and comfort.
There are currently 24 members.
The Auxiliary formed on Nov 17th 1966 with the hospital opening its doors in 1972.
Through the years, many dedicated Auxilians have kept the society active and they continue to be respected in the community as a group who “does good”.
The Auxiliary fundraises and handles donations from the community to support health care initiatives such as required hospital equipment.
“We have changed over the years. We used to be more hospital based but now we have branched off to support more homecare needs. We work in this area as well,” Nielsen said.
Current Auxiliary President, Julie Anne Mortensen is thrilled with what the auxiliary has achieved over the years.
“We wish the Auxiliary a happy 50th and many more. We’ve had over 100 people involved with the Auxiliary over the years,” Mortensen said.
April Hughes from Northern Health is also grateful for all of the support received from the Auxiliary.
“We are so thankful for all of your support. For all that you have done and continue to do, thank you,” Hughes said.
The auxiliary holds monthly meetings at the hospital from September to June at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. All are welcome.