If you walk past the Chemainus Health Care Centre these days, you just might do a double-take.
There’s a new bright red hand-painted Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary sign at the entrance to the health care centre, which was unveiled Dec. 5.
“We really do appreciate the opportunity to have ourselves well presented here at the entrance,” said Susan Beaubier, past president of the auxiliary.
The new sign was a joint effort of the auxiliary, the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and Chemainus sign painter George Morden, explained Beaubier.
“George has done this by hand,” she said. “It’s a labour of love, I think, and we’re glad you love us, George. We are just delighted.”
Morden donated his talent and time to create and hand paint the sign, explained Beaubier.
“One element of the sign is based on the conceptual work of Brennan Hinchsliff, a generous Valley student who has developed the new logo for the auxiliary,” she added. “The new sign replaces the carved wooden sign that was erected in 1999 in honour of the auxiliary’s centenary.”
In addition to Morden and Hinchsliff’s contributions, VIHA staff, including Gail Kerrone, John Vassallo and Darren Titus, co-ordinated the preparing of the site and the installation of the site, in consultation with auxiliary members Peggy Cavanaugh and Susan Beaubier.
“This beautiful new sign is a much appreciated early Christmas present,” said Beaubier.
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary has been supporting the community since 1899.
“The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is 113 years old, and the 180 members are very proud that it is among the four oldest auxiliaries operating in the BC Association of Health Care Auxiliaries,” said Beaubier.
In 2012, the Auxiliary donated approximately $300,000 to various institutions offering health services and support to residents of Chemainus, Crofton and Thetis and Penelakut islands, including the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Chemainus Health Care Centre, Cowichan District Hospital, Cowichan Valley Hospice, Cops for Cancer, Providence Farm and numerous others.