I am Marlene Connell, president of the Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital. I will be sharing activities, events and information of note with Quesnel Cariboo Observer readers.
As our winter season approaches different memories emerge. Rembrance Day makes us think not only of the soldiers and their families, but let us also remember those who came before us to create this great organization that today we call “The Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital.”
Legacy — those early members laid a path for us. “Comfort to patients” has many different faces, including hooking up a TV, supplying toiletries, popping in to say hi and checking if they need anything from the comfort cart.
Through our fundraising efforts, we’re able to purchase equipment for our doctors, nurses and staff. I believe we each feel good being able to aid our hospital and patients alike. Sometimes just a cheery smile can brighten someone’s day.
Friends and family who have gone before us can become a lasting memory by simply leaving a monetary gift to the Auxiliary in their name. I was doing a small job in the shop the other day and it brought back memories of one of our members who has passed on. It is this bond we form with others over a simple shared task that answer the question, “why do we do this?”
What better way to add purpose to a winter’s day than joining our auxiliary in all its good works and proudly wear a red smock. Regardless of how much or how little time you have to spare, volunteering brings its own reward.
Christmas brings excitement into the eyes of a child and we can add a smile or two as we help our customers or patients in our shop choose the perfect gift for all the people on our gift list, including yourself. The “Red Squad” (those Auxilians dressed in red) can sometimes be the very ones to give you that “ah ha” moment when they suggest the perfectly unique gift idea. From purses, one-of-a-kind jewelry, unique plush animals and novelty items, there is much to choose from.
Interacting with patients and customers alike answer the age-old question, “why do you volunteer?”
Come December, auxiliary homes are filled with the smells of Christmas baking as we prepare for our annual Christmas bake sale. Whether you want to bake your own or take advantage of some of the best bakers in town, please watch for us at Willis Harper in December. We would welcome anyone who would like to be part of this awesome group.
We are busy preparing our Christmas sleigh to be filled with treats for those who must remain in the hospital over the holidays. We can bring a spark of the true Christmas spirit into his/her eyes. Also, those members who knit, sew and crochet are busy filling a basket or two to welcome those babies who are born Christmas Day in our hospital. These are the things that make us proud of what we do. If you like what you have read check us out and join our red squad.
Also on the note of Christmas spirit, we would like to acknowledge those various other community organizations that work hard to make our community such a great place to live – thank you. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that many local organizations support us throughout the year as well.
So wherever or whatever you and your family are doing this winter, please consider joining the Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital. Men and women make up our membership. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the lower board room, applications for membership can be picked up in our shop Monday to Friday. Come and be part of the “Red Squad.”
Marlene Connell is president of the Hospital Auxiliary and regular columnist in the Observer.