PREECEVILLE — The Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary continues to keep their tradition of providing much-needed items for the Preeceville Hospital and long term care through community generated fundraisers.
“No matter what the club does, the community has always been very supportive in our endeavours,” stated Elaine Christopherson, president.
Recently, the organization hosted a tea and pie social on Nov. 17 which was such a huge success that the approximately 100 available slices of pie sold out quickly.
“Despite a break during COVID-19, we were still able to help with purchasing equipment for the palliative room, emergency room, lab and patient rooms,” said Christopherson.
“Large donations from the Musher Rendezvous committee have allowed us to offer to buy two ceiling lifts that can lift up to 800 lbs. We also purchased two floor scales. One scale measures height and weight for use in the emergency room. We made a donation to the lab for purchasing stickers or toys for children. We also purchased an iPad for nurses, to be used in the emergency room with purchasing the data for one year.
“We believe in the importance of STARS ambulance and made a $5,500 donation towards them.”
The auxiliary is always looking for new members. Members can be any age and don’t have to necessary have worked at the hospital. All donations made will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
The Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary started off known as the Ladies Hospital Guild that was formed in 1939, stated information from the Hearts to Hearts of Healthcare cookbook.
The Guild over the years raised monies through suppers, rummage sales, bazaars, whist drives, fowl suppers, bingos, teas and dances.
In 1942, the Guild joined the Provincial Hospital Auxiliary and would go on to purchase many items that included an anesthetics table, patient trays, bedside lockers, bassinettes, biopsy forceps, a new sterilizer, and also helped to furnish the new wing that was built at the hospital. The Guild sponsored a candy striper program from 1967 until 2010, when it was handed over to the nursing home. In 1968, a Red Cross blood donor clinic was held to kick off the fundraising for the new hospital. In 1976, the Guild changed its name to the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary. The Auxiliary has continued to be active through the years with fundraising efforts for the Preeceville Hospital.