The Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary is keeping busy during these difficult times and making a difference at Peace Arch Hospital.
Patient comfort is one way in which we are able to support patient care – the Auxiliary has two programs where we can make a difference.
We have a program where our auxiliary members make emergency toiletry bags for people who are unexpectedly admitted to the hospital. These emergency bags include toothbrushes, toothpaste, a pen and paper, a comb, an emery board, a small package of Kleenex, lip balm, hand lotion, and wipes.
There are bags available for children, too, which include colouring books and crayons, while young children receive a small stuffed animal.
Our auxiliary volunteers assemble about 500 of these bags annually, at a cost of $5,000 total.
In 2019, the auxiliary introduced the Caring Hearts Program. This is an annually funded program with a budget of $5,000. This program embraces the importance of patient-centered care, and provides designated hospital staff the ability to access resources for patients who need additional support to overcome barriers when they are discharged from the hospital and transitioning back to life at home.
We have had a few very successful fundraisers since the COVID-19 lockdown.
The two ‘Neufeld Meat and More’ sales, which were held by our Kay Hogg Goodwill Group, were supported by the community and raised funds that will help us to purchase much-needed hospital equipment.
We thank everyone who was able to support this event.
Our Les Papillions’ group had a picnic in the summer, too, and raised money for the hospital by selling jellies, jams and face masks.
As well, they recently held a handmade tea-towel sale at our Superfluity Shop that was a great success.
Our Aquarius group had a Daniel Chocolate sale for Thanksgiving, a wreath sale and an Epicure fundraiser in November. This group of energetic ladies is hoping to have a golf tournament in the spring.
On Nov. 26-27, the Semiahmoo group held their annual Grinch Christmas Tree sale at the Superfluity Shop.
During November, we also held an auxiliary-wide online Purdy’s Christmas chocolate sale, which was well supported by our members, hospital staff, the foundation and the community. Once again, thank you for your support.
Also this year, we have created an online “Give Light Give Hope” fundraiser, where donors can name and dedicate a lightbulb on a virtual Christmas tree.
Tax receipts are issued electronically as soon as a donation is made. Please see our website, www.pahas.ca, to access our virtual tree and consider making a donation on behalf or a family member.
All our fundraising efforts over the past nine months have been well supported by the community. We thank you, as it has been difficult during the pandemic to raise funds that support our patient-care programs and help us purchase equipment for Peace Arch Hospital.
Our Superfluity Shop re-opened in late May with strict protocols in place that follow Worksafe BC and Ministry of Health guidelines. Operating hours are now noon to 4 p.m. There is a limit on the number of customers that can be in our store and they must all wear masks.
Due to the current restrictions, we are now only taking donations by appointment. All donors are requested to call the manager of the shop at 604-536-774 to make an appointment to donate.
Merry Christmas from the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society.
Felicity Matthews writes monthly on behalf of the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary.