July 29, 2016
Members of the Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary rode their first ever float in the Boyle Rodeo on July 16. On the back of the float, from left, are: Hailey McCarthy (wearing a nursing cap), Pat Heatherington, Claudette Dornan (dressed in a hospital gown) and Val Sinclair. On the front is Judy Flax, left, and Donna Larson.
Story by Kerri Robins; photo courtesy of Olivia Bako, Athabasca Advocate
BOYLE — It’s been a festive July here with birthday celebrations for both the Boyle Healthcare Centre, which just turned 50, along with the Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary, which turned 15.
“(July 14) was an exciting day for us, and a big celebration for the health centre, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate our 15th anniversary at the same time,” says Claudette Dornan, Communications Director for the Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary.
The auxiliary, formed in 2001 by then site supervisor and now Auxiliary Secretary Donna Larson, has raised more than $304,000 over the years.
Funding numerous pieces of equipment and renovations since its inception, the auxiliary is currently using $8,000 raised during their Tree of Hope celebration last December to build a future outdoor garden patio at the healthcare centre.
Dornan says the patio will provide a nice little ‘retreat’ for staff, patients and families and the project is expected to cost $27,000.
Besides the Tree of Hope at Christmas, this 18-member ‘powerhouse’ team hosts the annual Strawberry Tea and Bake Sale and casinos. They also manage donations for a memorial wall with plaques celebrating deceased loved ones.
Purchasing equipment such as an ultrasound and defibrillator, and refurbishing patient care and waiting rooms, means nothing is too big or small, says Dornan. “We’ve bought small but equally important items like coffee machines and artwork for our patients.”
The auxiliary also awards scholarships of $1,000 each year to two Boyle students who wish to pursue their studies in health care.
Dornan, 67, has been an auxiliary member for four years and says the auxiliary a good fit for her.
“After attending my first meeting I realized this was how I wanted to contribute to my community, and family health care,” she says. “I’m just new to this but it’s amazing how much the auxiliary has helped the healthcare centre and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Site Manager Mary Proskie has nothing but praise for the work the group does every day.
“The auxiliary puts in a lot of time and effort funding our health care,” says Proskie. “On behalf of our health care centre, I can’t thank them enough, and we are so grateful for the work they do. They’re also such a pleasure to work with.”
For more information, please visit Boyle Healthcare Centre.
