It's a landmark year for the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre Auxiliary, which is celebrating 75 years of dedicated community service.
A special coffee and cake event to mark the milestone was held at the Ponoka Royal Canadian Legion on April 16.
Giving back is at the heart of the auxiliary, which has been fulfilling its motto of helping to provide ‘patient comfort and care’ since 1950. Ultimately, all the fundraising the group does - particularly via the gift shop at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre - supports the hospital and many aspects of patient comfort and care.
"We've got lots of new members, and there is a lot of enthusiasm," said Joyce Mackenzie, the group’s chair, who has been with the group for more than 20 years. Members volunteer at the hospital's gift shop, which is their primary means of fundraising. But it's more that.
"It's a happy place. People can come in and just visit - there is no pressure to buy."
For Mackenzie, belonging to the auxiliary brings a constant sense of fulfillment. Looking around the Legion hall on the 16th, she said she was really proud of the members and of this shared milestone for the group overall.
"I totally believe in Ponoka," she said, emphasizing how important is is for folks to support their communities - especially the services of the local hospital, which most people will require at some point in their lives.
For those looking for a meaningful way to give back, Mackenzie said to come on out to a meeting and see what it's all about.
"The only thing we expect is that you do one shift a month (at the shop). I also always say that we are lucky at the hospital, because we are the first thing that you see when you come in. I think we are kind of the 'welcoming committee' of the hospital," she added.
"I think that's why the girls like working there too!"
According to a 70th-anniversary publication, the beginnings of the group can be traced back to Miss Morell, the first matron of the hospital.
“With the help and direction of Mr. E. Finkle, she organized the first meeting of the Ponoka General Hospital Auxiliary."
They started by selling baby sweaters, bonnets, booties, and layettes from a window display. They also raised funds by selling items from the baby cupboard and small canteen, plus they went to the units with book carts and canteen items.
The small group of women kept on going, expanding their efforts to raise more funds with numerous bake sales, teas, and raffles. Today, as mentioned, proceeds come primarily from gift shop sales, operating the vending machines, owning the ATM in the lobby, working casinos, selling pull tickets, and through donations.
All this fundraising has certainly been put to exceptional use over the years, including purchases for that run the gamut from four prime TC transport chairs ($10,961); a 32-inch monitor that provides the highest resolution to see any abnormalities during a procedure ($10,249); a colonoscope ($40,880), an electronic tonometer to detect changes in eye pressure ($8,182.90), and five, 32-inch TV’s for patient rooms ($1504.50).
"Generally, we get requests from various areas of the hospital," said Mackenzie.
"We pretty much help where help is needed."
They have also purchased everything from patio plants, dining chairs, and Holter monitors to vital signs monitors, two Sleepeeze chairs, and a gastroscope among many other items.
Members say belonging to the auxiliary brings a strong sense of fulfillment.
"My favourite part of it is to work in the gift shop," said Marie McWade, who has been with the auxiliary since 2017.
"You get to greet people. I've given people hugs who have come in to visit their loved ones for the last time, and I've also held newborn babies," she explained.
"It's so special - everything that can happen. So it's about being able to greet people, and to help put a smile on their faces."
Meanwhile, she said the group is considering various ideas for a legacy project to mark the 75th anniversary as well.
"I'm excited, and I'm so proud that we have reached this milestone," said McWade.
Today, the Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre Auxiliary has a membership of about 50 volunteers, and they are always on the lookout for more.
"It's a wonderful way to meet people. And to be able to give back to the community," said McWade. "Joyce and I have often said this is the best kind of sorority!"
For more about the auxiliary, or about joining, call Judy Jones at 403-783-1253.
