January 22, 2019
Four original members of the William J. Cadzow Hospital Auxiliary who attended 50th anniversary celebrations recently included, from left: Freda Phillips, Lorraine Bouvier, Olive Skakun and Sophie Hamar. All four remain active in the auxiliary.
Story by Sara Blake
LAC LA BICHE — For 50 years now, the William J. Cadzow Hospital Auxiliary has been turning bake sales into blood coagulation analyzers and other life-sustaining equipment for area residents.
The not-for-profit group recently celebrated half a century of giving back to the community. Several of the auxiliary’s original members still serve today, including Laurette Doucet, Freda Phillips and Olive Skakun, the group’s first president.
While their fundraising methods and hospital contributions have evolved over the years, the auxiliary’s main purpose of assisting with patient comfort and care has remained steadfast, says Skakun.
“The hospital touches everyone’s lives at one point or another,” she adds. “It’s so important to everyone in the community. This volunteer group continues to provide for patient comfort and care, 50 years later.”
It was in October 1968 when the Women’s Auxiliary, as it was known then, called its first meeting, with 40 local ladies in its ranks. The hospital’s first request was for a $1,100 heart monitor, considered state of the art for its era.
The group quickly got to work raising funds through fashion shows, teas, grocery hampers and quilt raffles — handcrafted by auxiliary members, of course — and paid for the monitor in under two years.
Over the decades, the auxiliary has helped to purchase: 22 electric beds for $114,000; a $75,000 bus for continuing care residents; a colon videoscope and washing system for $58,000; a maternity bed and fetal monitoring system for $35,000; another $59,000 heart monitor (members covered half the cost); and much, much more. Remaining true to their roots, the group continues to create items such as knitted baby hats and quilts, available in the hospital gift shop, which is also staffed by the auxiliary.
Gislind Moehrle, Manager of the William J. Cadzow Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre, says the auxiliary’s efforts go a long way towards making the hospital more comfortable for those accessing services.
“We’re very grateful for the auxiliary,” she adds. “Their hard work and continued contributions help to enhance what we do at the healthcare centre, and improve the experience for our patients and their loved ones.”
Memorial donations and contributions from other community groups have also helped support the auxiliary’s ongoing activities. To date, well over $1.26 million has been graciously donated to the hospital through the auxiliary.
Auxiliary President Marianne Langevin says the team is always looking for new members.
“It’s a great way to give back to the community and help support healthcare in Lac La Biche and surrounding area,” she adds.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the auxiliary is invited to simply drop by or call the hospital gift shop (780-623-4404) to ask any current members for more information.
AHS works with 51 registered healthcare auxiliaries across the province, as well as various other health foundations and trusts. These non-profit groups have a significant impact on health delivery in Alberta by funding vital needs, programs, renovations, research and education, which translates into positive health experiences for patients and their families
