The October meeting was well attended. We focused on spending and fundraising.
We were pleased to have a “Wish List” from Derek Graham (CEO) with items needed for Patient Services. The following items were approved for purchase by the MHC Auxiliary: three wheel chairs ($690 each), one wheelchair for bariatric patients ($517), one bi-level positive air way pressure device ($4,080), one anti-wandering device ($1,000), one commode chair ($676), and one commode chair for bariatric patients ($1,379). Total cost is about $10,000. The money for these items is from the In Memoriam Fund. Your support has enabled us to make these purchases. Thank you. You know that your money goes to Patient Services.
Raffle tickets sales for the December 18 draw are going well. Only 2,000 tickets are being sold at $5 each for cold cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and three prizes of $100. Tickets are available from members and also from sellers at various locations in town.
The coin box collections, book sales, HELPP Lottery, Tuck Cart\Showcase continue to bring in funds. With your continued support of our projects we are able enhance patient services at the Manitoulin Health Centre.
The Harvest Sale is on Saturday, October 11 from 9 am till noon near the Post Office in Little Current. Donations of produce in season, preserves, baking etc. would be appreciated. Call Sue at 705-368-2336.
In November, look forward to the cookie walk, the Christmas Fair, stained-glass ornament sales and a book sale on the 15th at MHC. The last book sale at the Farmers’ Market for this season is on October 11 with a special sale-buy one get one free. Come and buy an armful!
Fundscript is now underway. Our first order for gift cards will go out on October 20 and by the 20 of each month following. Fundscript is an easy, effective way to raise money. You simply purchase gift cards for your everyday needs like food, gas, groceries and household items. A percentage of the cards purchased is donated to the Auxiliary. The percentage ranges from three percent to 10 percent. The cards can be used locally or at over 170 top Canadian retailers such as Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger, Sobey’s (Foodland), Loblaws (Valu-Mart), Shell, Esso, Petro-Canada etc. To help the Auxiliary fundraise through Fundscript you need to fill out an order form for your gift card needs. They are available from an envelope on the Tuck Cart room door or call Dave Sylvester (368-1709) or our fundraising coach Barbara Baker (368-3114). Order forms with payment attached can be left at the Tuck Cart room between 11 am and 1 pm weekdays.
The MHC Auxiliary is all about volunteering—about giving time and talents to support and enhance the well-being of others. Our very own June McConnell was recognized on September 28 as she received the Vivian Levenshon Community Volunteer Award. She has touched the lives of hundreds through her wide range of volunteer activities. She has also received a provincial Life Membership in the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario and the Outstanding Service Award at the local level. Congratulations, June. We are delighted with her well-deserved recognition.
New members are always welcome to join and help out by baking, selling tickets, Tuck Cart and other fundraising activities. At a cost of $2 per year you can be active or just be an Associate member for moral support. Call Membership Chair Leona Sylvester at 368-1709 to join.
An old song says “Think a little more of others, And a little less of ME!” Be a volunteer!