Kincardine hospital auxiliary donates $20,000 to hospital foundation

The South Bruce Grey Health Centre - Kincardine Auxiliary held its Christmas meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Best Western Plus Governor’s Inn, with a delicious traditional Christmas lunch buffet 

It was wonderful to have so many members attend, as well as special guests Paul Rosebush, president and chief executive officer of the health centre; Becky Fair, president of the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation; and Ollie Regier, acting director of patient care for the Kincardine hospital site.

The auxiliary members have worked hard all year and because of the community support for their projects, the auxiliary was able to present a donation of $20,000 to the foundation to purchase the following equipment: a Pharmacy Custom Fridge –$5,000, Triage Bench and signs for the Emergency Room (ER) – $7,123, Cast saw and Vacuum for the ER – $4,269, a Commode – $2,000, four Stretcher mattresses - $3,600, and a Nerve Stimulator used by Anaesthesia – $1,223.

Rosebush said there was a sense of festivity in the air, especially with the receipt of this $20,000 donation. He was amazed at how successful the auxiliary is and how it supports the hospital, so the hospital can continue to be an asset to the community.



Kincardine hospital auxiliary treasurer Wilma Manary (R) and president Ginny Ross, present a cheque for $20,000 to Ollie Regier (L), acting director of patient care at the Kincardine hospital site; Becky Fair, president of the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation; and Paul Rosebush, president and chief executive officer of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre; photo by Liz Dadson
 

Fair accepted the donation from auxiliary president Ginny Ross and thanked the auxiliary for all its hard work and continued support for the foundation. Regier also thanked the auxiliary for its dedication in supporting the hospital. She mentioned that the cast saw, one of this year’s purchases, is appreciated and very beneficial to the ER.

Anne Nicolson, retiring co-ordinator of student volunteers, was thanked by Ross, for her many years of dedication, and presented with a poinsettia. Donna Mowry and Sylvia Abbot (absent) were thanked for their hard work as co-chairpersons of the Tour of Homes. Since no one has come forward to fill their positions, it was decided to get together a group of volunteers to begin working on the 2016 Tour.

Mary Lou McKee and Kaye Mac Donald were also thanked for their work on the awards committee. Lucille Fischer is retiring as treasurer of the TV Rental Committee and was thanked by Ross. Lastly, Judy Lackner thanked Ross for her leadership and outstanding enthusiasm over the past three years as president, and presented her with  an auxiliary Gift Shop certificate of $25.  
 

The various committees gave favourable reports, with Nancy Potter again holding a very successful Christmas Boutique . She thanked all those who helped her, especially Tracy Robinson. Potter is having a Customer Appreciation Day, Friday, Dec. 11, at the hospital.
 

Carol Collins gave a short talk on the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario (HAAO) Convention that she and Judy Lackner had attended earlier this month. They had accepted the plaque for the Photo Contest in the “Fund-raising“ category which they presented to Liz Nurton, Alison Wyatt and Nicole Whitwell.



The new Kincardine hospital auxiliary executive includes: Liz Nurton (L), Betty Johnstone, Pat Emmerton, Ginny Ross, Carol Collins, Judy Lackner and Wilma Manary; photo by Liz Dadson
 

Lois Hackett conducted the ceremonial installation of the following officers for 2016, as well as giving the ladies beautiful carnations:
 

• President Carol Collins
• Past-president Ginny Ross
• First vice-president Judy Lackner
• Second vice-president Pat Emmerton
• Secretary Betty Johnstone
• Treasurer Wilma Manary
• Press reporter Liz Nurton

Lois Hackett (R), installs the new Kincardine hospital auxiliary, and presents each lady with a carnation; from left, are Liz Nurton, Wilma Manary, Betty Johnstone, Pat Emmerton, Judy Lackner, Ginny Ross and Carol Collins; photo courtesy of Liz Nurton