October 21, 2020
Members of the Auxiliary to the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre — from left, Marianne Gustafson, president, Kathy Medd, treasurer and Dawn Atkinson, vice president — pose with a handcrafted cedar cart made by local resident Don Gustafson for the winner of the group’s annual raffle. Photo Supplied.
Story by Yolanda Genu
Raising funds during a pandemic calls for creativity and new ideas, two things which the Auxiliary to the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre enjoy in abundance.
“Because of COVID-19, it has been challenging to raise money this year, as the auxiliary cannot hold bake and craft sales,” says Marianne Gustafson, auxiliary president. “Our raffle is another way of raising funds. We’re so thankful to the community for their part in making it a success.”
The beneficiary of the auxiliary’s efforts, Frances Vander Wekken, is the latest winner of the annual raffle.
Vander Wekken is now the proud owner of both a 26-inch handmade cedar cart, handcrafted by local resident Don Gustafson, and $200 worth of gift cards.
The draw was first scheduled for May, but was extended to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All 600 of the $2 tickets were sold, with proceeds going to the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre.
In past years, the group would have filled a basket with different themed items donated by auxiliary members for their annual raffle draw but this year, gift cards supporting local businesses were bought with money donated by the auxiliary members to go along with the cart.
The auxiliary helps provide care and comfort to patients and residents through the purchase of enhanced equipment such as wheelchair recliners, air beds and vital signs monitors.
Recently, the group purchased three computer tablets for residents to better connect with family members during the COVID-19 visitor restrictions at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre.
Over the summer and early fall, group members also maintained the garden beds and fish pond in an enclosed courtyard for residents.
To learn more about the auxiliary or how you can be involved, contact Volunteer Resources Coordinator Leanne Brusegard at leanne.brusegard@ahs.ca or 403-704-8312.
