Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary
Newsletter Spring 2020

Supporting Community Health and Wellness
Letter from the Editor

Hello, my name is Lynn Nightingale. I am your newly appointed Director of Public Relations. This is my first newsletter to you. When I started designing this publication a month ago, I was excited to share with you news about our building expansion.

Today, a month later, as I put the final touches on our Spring 2020 Newsletter, I was not expecting to report that the Gift Shop and Thrift Store have closed their doors due to a global pandemic.

The Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary wishes to express their best wishes and good health to all of our wonderful volunteers and all our members. We miss you and hope to see you all in the near future.

“United we stand, divided we fall”
Our very first video conference meeting

We are not going to let COVID-19 stop us!

 We are committed to serving you and our community to the best of our ability. Modern technology allowed us to conduct our Executive Meeting electronically on March 25, 2020.

We have items and donation requests for you to vote on. A package of information will be sent to you via email very soon. Please watch your inbox for that letter. 
Getting Ready to Build!

While the house and lot were being prepared by Marty Boehm, Canadian Tree Service and Cory Belton and his crew, we had a Geo-tech survey done by Lewkowich Engineering and a Civil Site survey done by Jim Buchanan, Engineer for JE Anderson & Associates as a prerequisite of receiving our building permit.

We thought the rain would never end, but finally on February 26, 2020 at midnight the house at 920 1st Ave Ladysmith was “on the move” to Gabriola Island.

The bids have been submitted, interviews conducted and we are pleased to announce that MKM will be our building contractor. MKM was our top choice for their professionalism and commercial experience. They recently built the tourist information building in Tofino, BC and were highly recommended by the manager. In MKM’s bid to us they said the contract would be completed by Fall 2020.
February 21, 2020

Cowichan Hospice Donor Appreciation Event

Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary has funded various Cowichan Hospice initiatives since 2000. Specifically, since 2009 the Cowichan Hospice has recorded LHA funding of $233,050 comprising more recently donations of:

· $125,000 in 2018

· $20,000 in Sustaining Funds for Grief and Palliative Programs

· $50,000 for the Cowichan Hospice House Project in February 2019

Nairne Culver, Membership Director and Ruth Goodbody, VP attended the Cowichan Hospice Donor Appreciation Event on February 21, 2020 in Duncan. All were warmly welcomed by Zoe, Gretchen, staff and volunteers and together enjoyed a selection of refreshments, sweets and savoury goodies.

Each donor was then called up to receive one of the beautiful spades used at the July 2019 sod-turning event, along with a hand written Thank You card. A feeling of welcome and gratitude was palpable. Showing interest, chatting personally and being there once again confirmed the importance of attending events such as these.

Important Dates:

May 7, 2020 5:00 pm Appreciation Dinner for all members

CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
2019 In Review


Hours Donated

A total of 35,777 hours of work were donated to Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary (LHA) by 255 volunteers. In 2019 there were 44 new members including seven junior members.
Donations Approved

In 2019, a total of $270,000 was approved for donations by the Auxiliary membership.
Gift Shop

The Gift Shop had a banner year with sales over $12,000 despite a brief setback in July due to vandalism. They can now accept Debit for purchases over $5.00. This payment option has improved sales.
Comfort Pillows

A total of 96 comfort pillows were made and delivered. The seamstresses put in 192.5 hours.
February 21, 2020
Variety – the Children’s Charity

A cheque for $10,000 was presented to the Variety Telethon representatives. who visited the Thrift Store to thank us in person and receive our donation. Due to a quick dialing finger by Lil Kroll, our donation was doubled when a corporation offered to match the funds during the fundraiser event.

(from left to right) Sheila Andreychuk, Virginia Smith, Don Grant, Bill Andreychuk, Deb Greenhorn, Miriam Rose, Kirsten Burlock, Pam Fraser, Lil Kroll and Keith Ling. Kneeling is Jennifer Shang from Variety, the Children's Charity. 

Photo by Mario Gauvin
Ladysmith Ambassador Fashion Show

The Ladysmith Ambassador Fashion Show was held on February 24, 2020 at the Eagles Hall. They try to use local clothing stores to promote their program, including the Ladysmith Thrift Store. It is a non-profit organization that works to foster self-esteem, leadership and friendship in local youth. It includes an eight week toastmasters speech craft, lots of volunteering opportunities within the community, Fashion Show, Speech and Talent showcase ending with the Coronation Evening and crowning of the Ladysmith Ambassador Team.
Comings and Goings

Sadly, we had to say good-bye to a few members who decided to not renew their membership this year: Linda Compeau, Linda Wilson, Linda Adams, Geri Burrows, Linda Compeau, Terry Davies, Paul Gilbert, Judy Kozler, Grace Saukko, Geoffrey Tanner, Sandra Dall, Sharon Smith and Carol Smith. You will be fondly remembered for all that you did for the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary. Thank you.
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Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary

910 1st Ave,
Ladysmith, BC  V9G 1A8

Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary Website

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