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Chemainus auxiliary reaches $500K pledge to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation

The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary has reached its goal of committing $500,000 to the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.
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Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary assistant treasurer Donna McCaskey

The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary has reached its goal of committing $500,000 to the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation over a five year period.

A cheque presentation for $115,000 was held at the Chemainus Theatre Festival Foundation last Tuesday, with unfortunately foundation officials unable to attend because of the weather.

Vice-president Kathy Jacobsen said it’s important to contribute to the larger hospitals in other areas because they are all still used by local residents.

“When you look at the healthcare system in BC, we don’t have resources on the island to treat every problem,” Jacobsen said.

“It’s really important togive to these larger hospitals as well because it’s benefiting everybody.”

In total, healthcare auxiliaries across the province in 2015 gave $9.7-million.

Last week’s donation completes the total pledge of half a million dollars, which in recent years has included contributions of $100,000 prior to 2012,  $100,000 in 2012, $75,000 in 2013, $60,000 in 2014, $50,000 in 2015.

The proceeds were raised through the auxiliary’s Thrift Shop, which is run by approximately 182 members.

“I think everybody is very proud. They just love it,” Jacobsen said.  “We have ladies who are 92 and are still working the till... we have women and men who work from home and repair things.”

Shoppers too like the fact that they’re saving money and benefiting a great cause.

“They like to support us because they know there money is going to healthcare in the province,” Jacobsen said.

B.C. Children’s Hospital philanthropy manager Shaun Cerisano said support “means the world to us.”

Their $500,000 pledge is helping to build our new Teck Acute Care Centre. This new centre will have windows in every room, and will be able to accommodate parents and families overnight. It will truly transform the the hospital experience for out of town patients, including those from Vancouver Island.”

Three long-time auxiliary volunteers were also recognized for their efforts over the years.

Curl Twentyman, who joined the auxiliary in 1966, has served on the executive as treasurer, recording secretary, public relations and historian.

Together, with her husband, Twentyman and several other members, she created an intricate doll display depicting the fundraising efforts of the auxiliary over the year. It is currently on display at the Chemainus Museum.

Anne Philippson was given a 58 year pin and joined the auxiliary in 1958. She has held the positions of social convenor, recording secretary and corresponding secretary.  She’s also been part of Hospital Day shows over the years, served on various committees and been an integral part of the retail Thrift Shop.

Sandy Heydon joined the auxiliary in 1956 and was given the 60 year pin for the dedication as president, vice-president and public relations officer.  She has chaired and produced many Hospital Day and musical fundraising shows and served on several committees.

editor@ladysmithchronicle.com

 





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