The Campbell River Hospital Auxiliary raised more than $300,000 over the last year to enhance the hospital with new equipment and additional staff training.
The auxiliary recently presented the hospital with $370,928 which was raised between May, 2015 and June, 2016 through sales at the hospital gift shop and the Auxiliary Society’s thrift shop.
Chris Rozema, site director at Campbell River Hospital, said the auxiliary’s efforts keep the hospital going.
“We couldn’t do what we do at Campbell River Hospital without the auxiliary,” Rozema said. “Their support is incredible.”
The money raised by the auxiliary is supporting the purchase of several pieces of hospital equipment including a portable ultrasound for the ICU, a bladder scanner, a neoprobe for the operating room and a recliner bed for the maternity department.
Funds were also put towards educational seminars for hospital staff, as well as music therapy sessions and art work to help brighten up the hospital walls – a recent initiative of the Campbell River Arts Council.
Auxiliary Society President Mary Lazarski said the society is “grateful we can do what we do,” thanks to all of the support it receives from the community through sales at both the gift shop and the thrift shop.
The auxiliary exists to provide care and comfort to everyone who uses the Campbell River Hospital.
The society was formed in 1956 and recently celebrated its 60th anniversary on May 25.
The auxiliary’s first thrift shop opened in 1962 on 11th Avenue in the old Credit Union building.
After moving the shop many times, in 1967, the auxiliary members decided to construct their own building which eventually opened in 1968.
With ever-increasing customers and donations, the building had to be expanded in 1988 and the thrift shop was moved to its current location at 415 - 2nd Ave., between the hospital and Yucalta Lodge.
The auxiliary’s other source of fundraising – the hospital gift shop – is located just inside the front doors of the hospital.
The Campbell River Hospital Auxiliary Society operates the gift shop and thrift shop with 100 per cent volunteer labour.