November 6, 2023
The committed volunteers of the Provost Hospital Auxiliary Society recently marked the organization’s 70th anniversary. Members include: (back row, from left) Carol Landmark and Janie Crawford; (middle row) Marilyn Carroll, Sharon Thompson, Marilyn Worobo, Donna Johnson, Eleanor Van Den Elzen and Irene Scammell; (front row) Deb Nelson, Louise Schug, Carol Fossen, Joyce Larson and Pat Skinner (Absent are Wanda Copeland, Florence Fossen and Louise Scherger). Photo supplied.
Story by Amelia Schofield
PROVOST — Since 1953, the Provost Hospital Auxiliary Society has been making a significant impact on patients and healthcare providers at the Provost Health Centre. Recently, the Auxiliary recognized its 70th anniversary and gathered for a tea to celebrate this special milestone.
“For the past 70 years, the Auxiliary has been deeply committed to supporting patient care at the Provost Health Centre. Over those years, we’ve contributed well over $260,000 to local healthcare priorities,” says Donna Johnson, Auxiliary President, and Auxiliary volunteer for the past 18 years.
Most recently, the Auxiliary has funded items such as: a Holter monitor, which is used in the Emergency Department to record a patient’s heart rhythm and detect or determine a risk of heart arrhythmias; an ultrasound cleaner for the Medical Reprocessing Department; tone chimes for residents of Long-Term Care to use during recreation therapy; a phone booster for Home Care providers who serve areas with limited or no cell service; and pocket talkers for Acute Care and Long-Term Care so that healthcare providers can amplify their voice when speaking with a patient with hearing loss.
“One of the accomplishments that’s most meaningful to me has been expanding the areas we support,” says Johnson. “Originally, we only contributed funds to acute care areas but, over the years, we began funding needs in long-term care and home care, so we’re able to make a difference for even more individuals using healthcare services in our community.”
The auxiliary currently has 15 members and raises funds in a variety of ways. More recently, they hosted an annual ‘stay at home’ tea, where they mail a letter and tea bag to community members to encourage donations. Additionally, the auxiliary participates in casino fundraisers.
“We’re so grateful to the community for their support over the years,” adds Johnson. “Every dollar truly makes a difference — and we deeply appreciate everyone’s contributions.”
“We want to congratulate the Provost Hospital Auxiliary Society on their 70th anniversary and thank them for their heartfelt support,” says Val Paice, site manager for the Provost Health Centre.
“Their contributions over the years have made a tremendous difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones, and we look forward to many more years of working together.”
If you would like to volunteer with the Provost Hospital Auxiliary Society, please contact Auxiliary President Donna Johnson at 780-753-0236.
