The Mills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, a dedicated volunteer-led organization focused on raising money for essential hospital equipment, is grappling with a shortage of volunteers.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the auxiliary has experienced diminished revenue and a decline in its volunteer pool, resulting in reduced hours of operation at its thrift store and gift shop.
Traditionally, the auxiliary has been instrumental in procuring much-needed equipment for both Mills Memorial Hospital and the long-term care facility, Terraceview Lodge. Operating without paid staff, the organization also provides up to 10 bursaries, valued at up to $1,000 each, annually to students pursuing careers in the health care field. However, this year, the auxiliary received only three applicants for these bursaries.
Over the last few years, the Mills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has made significant contributions to the community amounting to approximately $117,000 for the hospital and $49,000 for Terraceview Lodge. Purchases include crucial items such as labour and delivery tables, a bladder scanner, wheelchairs, and recliner chairs.
The auxiliary has a rich history, dating back to its incorporation in 1948, shortly after the opening of a 10-bed Red Cross hospital in the city. Originally, the group comprised 50 women volunteers who aimed to assist patients by shampooing their hair and writing letters.
In 1955, the auxiliary opened its first thrift store and in 1958 became a society, shifting its focus to raising funds. While the organization’s volunteers no longer provide direct patient care, their commitment to supporting the hospital and long-term care facility remains unwavering. They organize annual bake and craft sales, as well as various raffles, which contribute to annual donations of approximately $70,000, fluctuating based on the year.
Currently, the hospital’s wish list amounts to approximately $39,000 and includes an electrocardiogram machine for the emergency room and a ventilator. To generate funds, the auxiliary operates a thrift store where donated items are sold. Constructed by volunteers and funded by donations from Terrace businessmen, the thrift store has been improved over the years, with notable updates in 2000, 2011 and 2015.
“The auxiliary is an asset to health care, but also provides an opportunity for our members, a great majority of whom are seniors, to give back to the community,” said the auxiliary in a statement. “We find it difficult to fulfill our commitments to the hospital and the lodge,” as the challenges mount.
Dawn Garner, the auxiliary’s publicist, expressed her concerns regarding the impact of COVID-19 on volunteer participation. With most volunteers being seniors, many have been hesitant to return. Garner explained that volunteers worked two, three-hour shifts for an opening time of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
However, until more people volunteer, the thrift store has been unable to return to its regular schedule. Currently, the auxiliary has 35 volunteers.
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“Everybody, in some way or another, may find themselves in the hospital and benefit from the equipment we’ve purchased,” Garner said. “We genuinely hope it makes a difference in the healthcare they receive.”
The auxiliary continues to work closely with the hospital administration to identify priority needs and ensure that critical equipment is procured. Each year, the hospital and Terraceview Lodge presents the auxiliary with wish lists highlighting the specific items required to enhance patient care and treatment.
As the auxiliary grapples with a volunteer shortage and reduced operating hours, members remain steadfast to the mission of supporting health care facilities.
“My main reason for being at the thrift store is because I believe strongly in what we do,” Garner said. “We want people to know that because of the donations people make, we make the money needed to reinvest into the community.”
“We would like them to support us.”
To show appreciation for their customers, the auxiliary is organizing an appreciation day on Sunday, featuring cupcakes from Safeway. While the thrift store accepts various items, excluding furniture, they are particularly in need of household goods.
Garner also urged community members to consider donating items to enhance their building, emphasizing their sincere appreciation for any contributions.
“We know it’s not always available for people to come forward, but we appreciate anybody that wants to come and donate anything to improve our building, as it would be greatly appreciated,” Garner said. “We’re not the R.E.M. Foundation. They raise money for the bigger items at the hospital and they’ve reached out to community businesses for that.”
“We don’t want to do that because we don’t want to step on their toes, but if anybody wants to make any donations to the auxiliary, they’re more than welcome to.”
The Mills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary remains optimistic that, with increased community involvement and support, it can overcome challenges and continue to assist the local health care community.
“It’s a work in a progress,” Garner said. “It’s two steps forward and one back, but we don’t wanna give up on it.”
In an effort to address the current challenges, the auxiliary is actively seeking individuals who are willing to volunteer their time and skills to support their cause. They welcome community members of all ages.
Those interested in donating household goods or volunteering their time are welcome at the thrift store, located at 4544 Lazelle Ave. between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. The auxiliary’s gift shop at the main entrance of Mills Memorial Hospital operates Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Viktor Elias joined the Terrace Standard in April 2023.
Tips or story ideas? (250) 638-7283 ext. 5411 or viktor.elias@terracestandard.com.
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