Many know the large rummage sales that are held in Hanna twice a year by the Hanna Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.
The funds that are raised go to help the Hanna Hospital and this year the group has purchased a new machine to help with care of patients. It is called a Lucas Machine and is a hands free chest compression device that frees up a staff members hands and provides consistent chest compressions during CPR. Dolores Clow from the Hanna Hospital Ladies Auxiliary shares on how they work to support the hospital. “What we do is have monthly meetings and the supervisor from the Hospital and Long Term Care attend. They bring a wish list of what they need for the care and comfort of patients in the hospital and long-term care.” They purchase big items such as the Lucas Machine and a hotline warmer, used to warm blood or other fluids, to clocks and televisions, items to improve comfort and care for those in the Hanna Hospital. For the patients, the television and cable bills are paid for by the auxiliary. They also provide sundry items when patients come into the hospital.
Being part of this organization is quite rewarding exclaims Clow, especially how the community comes together to support. “We have probably between 145 and 165 volunteers that set up the Rummage Sale twice a year. The whole community comes together. It is really heartwarming to be a part of it as it is really a successful organization.”
The two rummage sales, in April and September, are the groups main fundraising efforts. They have also received support through the Tim Horton’s Cookie fundraising campaign. They are always searching for new members for the Ladies Auxiliary as well will never turn down volunteers for the setup of the Rummage Sales.
They appreciate every dollar raised. Teri Griffith with the Ladies Auxiliary shares that the organization does so much more than just items purchased for the Hospital. “Besides providing things directly to the Long Term Care and the hospital, we also do bursaries for students wanting to go into the medical field. As well, we look after the palliative care room at the hospital. We are responsible for the upkeep and repairs (in the room). We have also started a partnership in a program that are trying to retain and recruit new medical staff, doctors, nurses, and hospital support staff. We are always trying to build our funds to support all of these different programs in need.”
The Rummage Sales not only bring together the community but according to Clow, some families use it as an opportunity to come together. “There is one group of ladies, sisters. One is in Grande Prairie, one in Lethbridge, and one in Saskatoon, they have their reunion in Hanna on the Rummage Sale weekend, because we are central.” They also have families come up from the US and plan their trip around the rummage sale.
The next Rummage Sale is coming in April so don’t forget if you are doing spring cleaning, the group would love to take your items to help fundraise for their next purchase.
Comments