INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Hospital Auxiliary recently held its popular beef on a bun fundraiser at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion.
The annual fundraiser, held every fall, raises important funds for the Innisfail Health Centre. This year, the event was held Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“We've had a great turnout,” said Rose Winters, chair of the planning committee. “We're very happy with the people who came.”
More than 300 people filled the legion for the fundraiser, said Winters, adding she's pleased with the support both the event and the auxiliary have received from the Innisfail community over the years.
“It's been increasing every year. Last year was our best year so far and there was about 340 people. I think we're very close to that today,” she added.
The beef on a bun event is one of two major fundraisers the hospital auxiliary holds every year. The second is the strawberry tea that's held in the spring. Both events raise funds for the hospital and needed equipment.
“We have a wish list from the hospital and we try to buy (needed items),” said Winters. “So far this year we've bought a specialized wheelchair -- it was $6,000 -- two blood monitors, and we've been equipping all the beds with bed lifts,” she said. “We painted their dining room last year too. It's all for the hospital.”
Winters also pointed out funding the hospital auxiliary received from the town this year.
“This year we applied to the Town of Innisfail for a grant and we received a grant for $1,500,” explained Winters. “They have these grants available for organizations. This is the first year we realized it, applied and got this. We're very happy that the town chose us for the grant.”
In addition to enjoying beef on a bun, patrons and guests also enjoyed a book sale, gift and bake sale tables, along with draws for door prizes.
Despite a need for more members with the hospital auxiliary, noted Winters, there was plenty of help available for the beef on a bun fundraiser this year.
“Today has been a great success. We've had volunteers, we had (non-members) bring in baking and desserts for us too,” said Winters. “The town people really get involved.”
Rose Winters, chair of the planning committee
"So far this year we've bought a specialized wheelchair -- it was $6,000 -- two blood monitors, and we've been equipping all the beds with bed lifts."
