By Marlene Connell
What’s happening with the Red Squad, the Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital?
December is a month we are all very busy but we make the time to enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and an afternoon of friendship, song and games.
Wendy Fox and Daryl Petsul, representing the hospital, were our invited guests to share our afternoon of fellowship.
This year, Anita Schaub and Dawn McDonald received their pins for 25 years of service. Helen Phillips and Cora Koyama were presented with their 10-year pins, and Pam Realff received her five-year pin.
These pins were presented by one of our life members - a 48-year veteran, Susan Maile. A red rose was given as a token of our appreciation. That is just a highlight of all the years of service given by all those men and women in red.
Following the dinner, we were treated to a medley of Christmas songs and old-time favourites led by Doreen Wark, Marg Hessels (also life members of our auxiliary) and Don and Betty Prestage (their brother and sister-in-law). A big thank you goes to the Prestage quartet.
It was a great afternoon of friendship and celebration of the Christmas season.
Good Cheer
Good Cheer is also part of our Christmas afternoon of sharing.
Individual members donate money, clothing and food items.
On a Christmas note, the “Red Squad” members pride themselves on supporting special events like Good Cheer, to help make Christmas a little better for others. This has been an annual gift that we, as individual members, make every year.
Book sale
We held our annual book sale in the hospital lobby and a pre-Christmas sale in the shop with all proceeds going towards the purchase hospital equipment.
Christmas bake sale
Our annual Christmas Bake Sale at Willis Harper on Dec. 8 was a success as we sold out by noon.
Our thanks go to the management and staff of Willis Harper for supporting this event year after year.
Santa sleigh
We have just begun to fill our Santa sleigh with lap robes and treats for those who must remain in the hospital over the holidays.
As in past years, we will be singing carols as we take our sleigh and wind our way through the hospital sharing gifts and songs. Any baby or babies born on Christmas Day will receive a special gift package from the Auxiliary.
Volunteers welcome
Drop in and see us in the new year to shop, or even pick up an application to be part of our awesome organization.
Gift shop
Our gift shop will be closed Christmas week, Dec. 25-29 and will open Jan. 2. However, our TV Service will continue as usual.
Merry Christmas
On behalf of the Auxiliary, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas - one that you share and celebrate with family and friends.
Marlene Connell is the president of the hospital Auxiliary.