For almost 40 years the people of Innisfail and surrounding areas have given their time and money to help support the Innisfail and District Health Care Centre Auxiliary.
The auxiliary recently held its annual Florence Nightingale Strawberry Tea fundraiser on April 29 at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre.
“The community has always supported the hospital auxiliary because we need our hospital,” said Ruth Meisner, president of the auxiliary. “It is our second biggest fundraiser next to the Beef on a Bun on November 4 this year. Our main source of income comes from the gift shop in the hospital.”
Today there are 35 volunteers with the Innisfail and District Health Care Centre Auxiliary. All of them are devoted for the greater good, just like the famous wartime nurse.
“Florence Nightingale was a nurse from the Crimean War and she has been memorialized and remembered by hospitals themselves, as well as nurse associations and volunteer associations,” said Meisner. “She was a volunteer nurse.”
It was a packed house during the event with well over 100 citizens in attendance, noted Meisner. Guests enjoyed strawberry shortcake with ice cream and tea, as well as home baked goods available for purchase at the bake sale table and raffle draw tickets for a handmade quilt, which will be drawn later this year.
Meisner noted the continued success of the annual strawberry tea event, pointing out the $1,500 that was raised on April 29 during the fundraiser.
Those funds will go towards much needed items at Innisfail Health Centre.
“Because the Alberta government, no matter who's in power, has not made money available for hospital equipment that is desperately needed,” she said. “This year we bought two overhead lifts for extended care, a portable monitor for emergencies, and a specialized wheelchair that was over $6,000 for occupational therapy. That's just this year,” Meisner added.
“The aim of the hospital auxiliary is care and comfort of the patients,” added Meisner. “All the money raised by the ladies at the Innisfail hospital auxiliary is given right back into the hospital, every penny.”
There are currently 78 beds in extended care, and more than 20 in active care, along with two small surgical units for procedures such as cosmetic and ophthalmology surgeries.
“This is done for a huge area around Red Deer County,” said Meisner, noting the many committed efforts and time given from each and every auxiliary volunteer.
“The Innisfail hospital auxiliary (members) is enthusiastic and dedicated. They are true volunteers,” said Meisner. “Every member is a strong, supporting member.”
Ruth Meisner
"All the money raised by the ladies at the Innisfial hospital auxiliary is given right back into the hospital, every penny."
