Hospital auxiliaries from across the District 3 region attended the annual Saskatchewan Health Care auxiliaries association annual meeting. The meeting was hosted by the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary at the Club 60 on April 20.
Delegates representing the following communities: Canora, Kamsack, Esterhazy, Lestock, Melville, Wynyard and Preeceville.
Individuals who represented Preeceville were: Sharon Buchinski, Darlene Medlang, Agnes Murrin, Grace Predy, Elaine Christopherson, Carol Rediger, Lila Duff, Karen Berezitzky, and Ollie Maksymiw. Canora delegates were, Mary Prokopetz, Sophia Fullawka, Nettie Okrainetz, Jamie Wasyliw, Deborah Barteski and Florence Haskewich. Kamsack representatives were Darlene Brown, Diana Belivanoff and Marj Orr.
Elaine Christopherson, president of the Preeceville Hospital auxiliary, welcomed all auxiliaries in attendance to the 64th annual meeting.
Other executive members of the Preeceville auxiliary were: Agnes Murrrin, vice president; Darlene Medlang, secretary; and Margaret Neitling/ Karen Berezitsky, co-treasurers.
"The Preeceville Hospital has 10 beds with an attached 40-bed long term care facility," said Christopherson. The Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary has 12 members along with one active life member and one affiliated member. Auxiliary meetings are held at the Preeceville Integrated Healthcare Facility the end of every month excluding July-August and December."
"We have two major fundraisers that we focus on each year. A spring tea is held on Mothers day weekend, which is also Hospital Day. Our tea includes a bake sale and a raffle. We have a table at the Preeceville Spring Expo trade show, where we sell our tickets. The other fundraiser we host is a Christmas auction at the end of November. It includes crafts, baking and miscellaneous donated items. Again we have raffle tickets, all prizes of our tickets have been donated.
The auxiliary sponsors a bursary of $200 to a graduate of both the Preeceville and Sturgis high schools. This is given in the 2nd yr. of study in the health field. A bursary in memory of Esther Paul and Marie Phoenix who were both RNs and past members of the auxiliary. The bursary is in the amount of $200.00 is set up for a Preeceville graduate entering their 2nd in the Bsc. Nursing program.
"Arrangements are made by one of our auxiliary members, throughout the year with either Preeceville or Sturgis schools grade 8 classes to make holiday tray favors for all hospital patients and those receiving Meals on Wheels. We also have an member who sends cards & visits auxiliary or their family when ill."
The Auxiliary receives many generous donations and memorials from
the public. A donation board is in the front entrance of the hospital and names of donors of $100.00 or more are placed on the board.
They have also donated, to the Bea Cripps Memorial Fund, Filling the Gap(local charity), wall mounted suction regulators, two vital signs monitors, three alternating air mattresses, plaques and engraving for donations, flowers for patients for Mothers and Fathers Day, flowers for the planters and volunteer time to spring clean up area at the front of hospital and to plant the flowers.
"In the future we looking to donate towards a multipurpose pad for Stars landing and along with memorial money to update the patient lounge, said Christopherson.
Agnes Murrin, the councillor for District 3 Saskatchewan Hospital Auxiliaries Association (SHAA) brought greetings on behalf of the board.
The meeting portion of the program featured minutes fro 2015 meeting and auxiliary reports.
Esther Siguardson, Provincial president spoke briefly on volunteerism, how to keep the clubs going and what direction each club is taking.
Roxanne Rayner gave a report on palliative care at the Sunrise Health Region.
Lila Duff gave a short memorial service for past auxiliary members.
Pastor Hein Bertram provided the entertainment during the lunch break.
Monica Dutchak, Preeceville Hospital representative spoke highly of the auxiliaries dedicated work.
Elaine Christopherson ended the program with farewell comments.
