The Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare held its annual luncheon June 19 at the Comox Legion, to honour auxiliary volunteers.
Long-time volunteers were recognized and presented with pins: Marie Hunter 50 years, Carol Longland 45 years, Vicky Keryluk 30 years, Joan Robertson 25 years, Audrey Batho, Nancy Field and Ardie MacLaren 25 years, Hilda Mackay and Dawn Ritzel 15 years and Barb Melsness 10 years.
Marie Hunter received a pin and certificate naming her a life member for 50 years of uninterrupted volunteering.
Hunter was a long-time volunteer at St. Joseph’s and she currently volunteers at the North Island Hospital Comox Valley (NIHCV) Gift Shop.
“When I started volunteering in 1969 I did not expect to stay for 50 years,” she said.
For the most part, her volunteering was here in the Comox Valley, with an exception of 13 years when she lived on the mainland and volunteered at Langley Hospital Auxillary.
Another longtime volunteer, Carol Longland was recognized for 45 years.
“When I started in 1974 Marie Hunter was the president of the Auxiliary,” said Longland.
All Auxiliary Society volunteers have contributed to raising money for NIHCV and The Views at St. Joseph’s programs as well as bursaries for youth volunteers.
The Auxiliary currently has 140 volunteers who are committed to serving their community, because of their dedication the Auxiliary has been able to fund equipment, furniture, as well as supporting programs and a summer youth volunteer supervisor position. The Auxiliary also provides funding for the Youth Volunteer Program and bursaries for young volunteers pursuing post-secondary education in the health field.
St Joseph’s Thrift Store and The Gift Shop at the NIHC are the two areas that generate money to donate to hospital and The Views at St. Joseph’s, when they request financial assistance for patient comforts. Many volunteers do other things both at the Views and NIHCV there are so many behind the scenes opportunities for people who want to get involved.
New volunteers are always welcome. If you are available to give minimum of four hours each week in an area you would like to make a difference, the Auxiliary Society would love to meet you. You can pick up a volunteer application at either the NIHCV Gift Shop or Thrift Store at St. Joseph’s.