The numbers are staggering.
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop continues to generate record sales while making large contributions to health-related causes.
Those were reasons enough to celebrate during the Auxiliary’s annual Christmas luncheon and installation of officers Saturday at the Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre.
Incoming president Susan Beaubier noted the $500,000 sales goal for 2018 was reached Nov. 17. Yes, that’s half a million dollars, folks.
And there’s still a month left in the year when sales are sure to keep climbing with Christmas approaching.
Joan Kerr, completing her two-year term as president, told the luncheon gathering the little Thrift Shop had sales of $134.75 a square foot last year.
“This year we blew that out of the water,” she said. “We’re close to $150 a square foot this year.”
A highlight at the luncheon was the Auxiliary’s presentation of a $150,000 cheque to Cowichan Valley Hospice House. That follows the $100,000 given last year and another $50,000 remains in 2019 to complete the Auxiliary’s $300,000 commitment to the project.
Christa Fox, chair of the Hospice House Task Force, thanked the Auxiliary for being one of the first to believe in the vision that sparked others to follow suit.
The Auxiliary also reserved special recognition for Curl Twentyman, who’s retiring as the long-time historian of the group. Sharon Stocco will take her place.
The remainder of the executive for the coming year under the direction of Beaubier includes: Kerr (past president); Nancy Southern (membership); Donna McCasky (treasurer); and Stocco (secretary).
Peggy Cavanaugh will assist Southern with membership, Morna McNair is in charge of publicity, Marie Hinchsliff is handling personnel; Linda Lendrum acts as liaison; Lucy Fry as assistant treasurer; and Dawne Grant will be the personnel committee’s member at large.
“I have to say that I am honoured and proud to be leading such an impressive group of volunteers,” noted Beaubier. “The history of the Auxiliary, going back 119 years and the outstanding community contributions by our Auxiliary predecessors can leave one very humbled. I know our members are inspired and committed to serving our community and that in itself makes me want to do the very best I can to continue the momentum and to build the Auxiliary and its work to an even higher level.”
Members reaching landmark service years were honoured with commemorative pins.
Ten-year-plus pins went to Corinne Bossons, Annette Faulkner, Mary Francis and Muriel McClure; 15-year pins to Grace Compton and Shirley Laderoute; and 20-year pins to Donna Hess, Tig Roe, Heinz Springborn, Marjorie Greeves and Norah Creelman.
