Sixty Years of Giving

Ponoka Hospital Ladies Auxiliary raises funds and spirits

Story and photo by Heather Pickett

If the saying “volunteers have hearts of gold” is true, then the ladies of the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre Auxiliary are a gold mine.

The dedicated group of volunteers is devoted to patient care and comfort. On June 16, the auxiliary celebrated its 60th year of existence.

“The Ladies Auxiliary has been a pillar of support for the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre through their years of service, purchasing so much needed equipment for the hospital, but most importantly, for the patients we serve,” says Lynn Gray, Central Zone lead Volunteer Resources. “The enthusiasm and the dedication they have displayed is to be commended.”

More than 50 members strong, the Ladies Auxiliary began with humble roots, helping to provide necessities—like toothpaste and soap—to patients. Today the group focuses on being proactive within the hospital.

“I’m very pleased with our progress,” says Juanita Knight, a retired teacher and the auxiliary’s president. “We’ve really flourished as a group, and now we’re doing more than ever.”

The auxiliary blends tried and true projects with new ideas. In addition to organizing traditional fundraisers like bake sales, the group has expanded their gift shop and had vending machines and an ATM installed, which they oversee, to earn funds.

“Over the years we’ve purchased a number of things for the hospital and care centre,” says Knight. Items include a large flat-screen TV for the residents’ common area and a Wii Fit gaming console for the Physiotherapy department. Their latest major purchase was 10 new electronic beds for the long-term care unit, at a cost of $30,000.

“Three more beds need to be replaced, so that’s something we’re looking to do in the future,” says Knight.

On top of raising funds, the group also delivers smiles to patients and residents through personal touches, such as tray favours for residents on special days and plaques of recognition on birthdays.

According to the ladies, the smiles they receive in return are thanks enough.

Currently there are 2,800 registered volunteers and some 300 groups within the Central Zone that provide a variety of services to health care.

“They contribute greatly to the quality of life of the patients and support the staff in so many ways,” says Gray. “We are truly pleased with the continued success we have in the number of volunteers that offer their time and talent to our hospitals, community health centres and care centres.”