Members of hospital auxiliaries from across the region will be converging on Mount Forest April 27 when the Auxiliary of Louise Marshall Hospital hosts the Hospital Auxiliary of Ontario South Central Region (HAAO SC) Spring Conference.
The day-long event co-convened by Louise Marshall Hospital Auxiliary President Wreatha Speers and member Linda Dunk features the theme A High-Healthy-Happy Spring Fling. Those attending, from Exeter, St. Marys, Fergus, Clinton, Seaforth, Palmerston, Wingham and Goderich, are being urged to “follow the Butter Tart Trail” to Mount Forest.
In addition to a meeting and luncheon, the conference features guest speakers Dr. Ken Babey, of Mount Forest, Melvin Bearinger on “Interacting with the Mennonite Community” and James Graham, past president and life member of the Ontario Horticultural Society. Kara Shaw, of Fergus, will provide musical entertainment.
Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox, MPP Randy Pettapiece and North Wellington Health Care CEO Jerome Quenneville are slated to bring greetings.
The auxiliary to Louise Marshall Hospital is a group of ladies, and one man, who work year-round to fundraise for the Mount Forest hospital. The organization has committed to raising $50,000, over five years, for the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation’s current campaign and recently presented a cheque for $10,000.
The auxiliary also supports the annual radiothon, raising money for the hospital, and annually presents a $500 bursary to each of two Wellington Heights Secondary School graduates pursuing further studies in a medical field.
The first baby of the year, born at Louise Marshall Hospital, is also given a gift from the auxiliary.
Money is raised through the auxiliary’s annual spring luncheon and bake sale (this year on May 8), Christmas bazaar, the raffling of a quilt made by the Mennonite community, a spring bake sale and through the gift shop at the Louise Marshall Hospital run by hospital auxiliary volunteers.
Many auxiliary members also work at The Thrift Shop in Mount Forest with money raised there split between the hospital and Cancer Patient Services.
Auxiliary members also volunteer to help at clinics at the hospitals and help in numerous ways to make hospital stays more pleasant for patients, including providing handcrafted tray favours for holidays and decorating at Christmas.
