December 11, 2023
Members of the Two Hills Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Society recently celebrated the society’s 55th anniversary along with AHS staff and representatives of the provincial government, the Town of Two Hills, and the County of Two Hills. Shown, from left, are; Susan Frankiw, Sherri Jackson (AHS), Emily Lypka, Debora Okrainetz (AHS), Gisele Weir, Tammy Shapka (AHS), Leona Ewanchuk, Two Hills Town Councilor Arnold Romaniuk, Fort Saskatchewan – Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homenuik, Pat Marcichiw, Margaret Gorsline, Audrey Mackney, Elsie Choban, Deborah Gray, Claudette Gorgichuk, Eli Myhovich (AHS), Tammy Tarkowski (AHS) and Two Hills County Reeve Don Gulayec. Photo by Gayleen Froese.
Story by Jonathan Koch & Gayleen Froese | Photo by Gayleen Froese
TWO HILLS — Providing patient comfort and care for more than half a century is cause for celebration.
And celebrate they did, when close to a dozen members of the Two Hills Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Society gathered recently to mark the society’s 55th anniversary at Two Hills Health Centre. Also on hand for the happy occasion were Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff and representatives of the provincial government, Town of Two Hills, and the County of Two Hills.
Sherri Jackson, Allied Health area manager for AHS, lauded society members for maintaining local Ukrainian traditions for residents and for their hands-on approach to volunteering at the facility.
“I have watched in amazement as they make sure that all of the long-term care residents at their events felt like they were cared about and loved, sitting with residents if they looked lonely, and who were there without their loved ones,” says Jackson.
“The ladies always come in smiling, they're always willing to help out wherever they can, and they're there to make their lives of the residents and patients better.”
Founded in 1968, the hospital auxiliary has sponsored countless special events for long-term care residents, including an annual Mother's Day tea as well as traditional Ukrainian Christmas and Easter celebrations.
The society has also contributed about $250,000 during its lifetime to fund patient comfort initiatives at the centre, including the recent purchase of two new foldable privacy screens in the emergency department. Members mingled over cake and coffee, receiving messages of appreciation from AHS Staff, Two Hills Fort Saskatchewan – Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homenuik, Two Hills Town Councilor Arnold Romaniuk and Two Hills County Reeve Don Gulayec.
Emily Lypka, a member of the society from day one, received a pin from AHS celebrating her 55 years as a volunteer. Retirement certificates were presented to Rose Nickiforuk (40 years) and Ethel Albrecht (15 years). AHS also presented the auxiliary with a certificate of appreciation to commemorate their 55 years.
While much has changed over the past 55 years, the society’s dedication and willingness to answer the call for help endures, says Eli Myhovich, AHS Volunteer Services coordinator.
“Whether it’s volunteering to provide lunch for the Connect Care launch or stepping up to help with the resident food satisfaction survey, they are always there for me, and I appreciate that,” Myhovich adds.
Tammy Tarkowski, Two Hills Hospital site manager, praised the members’ resilience following the challenges presented by COVID.
“They're back in full force, they're feeding residents, they’re visiting with residents, and they help the recreation programs with bingo,” says Tarkowski. “Whether it's in acute care or long-term care, they're there to provide patient comfort.”
Society president Leona Ewanchuk says she became involved 15 years ago because it makes her feel good when she can do something to help someone. With the age of members ranging from 65 to 93, Ewanchuk says it’s also important that the facility is there for future residents.
“I will tell you what my members say: ‘We’re paving our way because we’ll be there one of these days to stay.’ We want to make it nice and comfortable for the people now and leave a legacy of a well-kept nursing home.”
