| April 21 Mission Healthcare Auxiliary VICTORIA- Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton rose in the Legislature today to honour the hard work of the Mission Healthcare Auxiliary. “Two years following World War I, after hundreds of thousands of veterans had returned from Europe, a group of women banded together to organize what is now the Mission Healthcare Auxiliary to help support injured troops. Just a few years later they helped start the only hospital in the valley between Mission and New Westminster. “For generations, volunteers from the auxiliary have dedicated themselves to serving the sick in the community and seeking ways to bring improvements to the hospital. Nearly 150 auxiliary volunteers help with patient care in the extended care facility or elsewhere in the hospital, such as the reception desk. Others serve in the Cottage, a popular thrift store in Mission, or at a gift store located in the hospital. “Over the years the Mission Healthcare Auxiliary has raised more than $2 million, dollars which have been used to improve patient services or purchase valuable medical equipment. “Dorothy Pohoda joined in the 1960’s as a young mom. She began helping by bringing a cart around to patients who wanted to buy some snacks or get a book. Doris Jacobs is in her 90’s and has been a member for nearly 30 years. She made some of the auxiliary's first highly visible pink uniforms. Dozens of volunteers — such as the president, Gertrud Rummel, and others like Lillian Dudfield, Valerie Hundert and Helen Strohmaier — have been involved for years because they are compassionate people who want to help others in their time of physical and emotional need. “The work that they do is important for the people of Mission. Would the Legislature please join me in applauding the significant contribution that they make day in and day out. For a complete transcript, visit the Hansard website. -30- | |
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