The April Auxiliary meeting consisted of the regular meeting, the annual general meeting and a special presentation.
Here are some current activities as well as information about past events from the regular meeting.
Raffle tickets were distributed. Make sure you have $5 ready to support the auxiliary and have a chance to win $1,000, $500 or one of three prizes of $100. The draw will be held at the NEMI Farmers’ Market at 11 am on September 5.
Vesey Bulb sales will end soon. Call a member or President Dave Sylvester at 705-368-1709. Remember that with a $40 minimum order you will receive a bonus of 25 anemone bulbs.
The next Book Sale is on Friday, May 1 (5 to 9 pm) and Saturday, May 2 (9 am to 2 pm) in the cafeteria at the Manitoulin Health Centre in Little Current. It’s the popular “Buy one, get one free sale.” There is an excellent selection of jigsaw puzzles for sale (some never opened) as well as super buys on hats, socks, mitts and other items.
To celebrate our 70th Anniversary and to honour three recipients of Life Membership in the Hospital Associations of Ontario a dinner will be held in the Anchor Inn on Thursday, June 4. The cost is $31. There will be more details in the next Auxiliary News.
Seventieth anniversary mugs will be on sale soon at a cost of $8. These mugs match the ones sold for the 60th anniversary.
Final arrangements were made for our provincial representatives and delegates to the spring conference in Parry Sound.
The casserole dinner was a success. The hall was nicely decorated by Carole Labelle to represent some events over the 70 years of an auxiliary to the hospital in Little Current. Thanks to those who donated the yummy casseroles. There was quite a selection! Special thanks to Foodland, 3 Cows and a Cone, Valu-Mart and the Anchor Inn for their generous contributions and to Doug Hore and Maurice Labelle for their toetapping, most enjoyable music. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a cheque for $10,000 by Dave Sylvester to CEO Derek Graham for the purchase of a bed for the Sweet Slumbers Campaign. You know that when you give to the Auxiliary your money stays in Little Current and goes to enhance patient services at the hospital.
To celebrate Volunteer Week, CEO Derek Graham, board chair Suzanne Norris and Patient Services Director Pat Morka presented us with a sumptuous cake and a certificate for volunteering. Thanks again! It’s great to be recognized in a tangible manner.
Members will be attending the NEMI Volunteer Appreciation night on Tuesday, April 14 at the Rec Centre.
Active volunteerism begins at any age. Kevin Courchenes donated 30 Care Bags for distribution to patients requiring them. Kevin collected all the items and assembled the bags as part of the Community Involvement Program at Manitoulin Secondary School. Thank you, Kevin. Well done!
After enjoying cake and coffee we held our annual general meeting. The president gave his report. This annual report is also submitted to the board and to participating auxiliaries at the Regional Conference.
Chair of the nominating committee, Carole Labelle, conducted the elections.
The executive is as follows: President is Dave Sylvester, the Vice-President is Barbara Baker, the Secretary, Sue Lafreniere and the Treasurer, Marilee Hore.
Committee chairs are Membership, Leona Sylvester; Goodwill, Carole Labelle; and In Memoriam, Barbara Lawrence. The Nominating Committee for 2016 has three members: Laila Kiviaho, Elaine Moore and Carole Labelle. Other members fill many jobs that are not elected positions.
New members are always welcome. Volunteering has many benefits. Not only is it good for you but has effects that can’t be measured. An old song says, “If I can help somebody as I travel on, then my living will not be in vain.”
