INNISFAIL – People lined up out the doors for beef on a bun.
The annual fundraiser by the Innisfail Hospital Auxiliary once again had a full house at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on Nov. 2.
“It’s been steady since we started (at 11 a.m.),” said Barb Traxel, auxiliary member and manager of the gift shop at the Innisfail Health Centre.
This year the event provided pre-booked takeout orders as well.
“They had to have ordered ahead of time,” she said. “That’s just another opportunity for people who can’t get away (for lunch) to still support us and the hospital.”
In addition to beef on a bun, the event included a bake sale, a book sale and hospital gift shop items for purchase. They also had door prizes and a raffle draw for a quilt.
“(We have) a selection of all the things that are available at the hospital gift shop,” said Traxel.
“We get book donations given to the auxiliary that we sell for a minimum amount and auxiliary members provide all the baking for the bake sale,” she added.
“All money raised today goes to the auxiliary, which then goes to the hospital for patient care.”
She noted the gift shop's important role in helping support the Innisfail Health Centre and the variety of items for the community to enjoy.
“Most people don’t even know we’re there. We offer things not for just patients, but for anybody for any occasion,” said Traxel, noting they sell such items as home decor, jewelry, children’s toys and games, and winter clothing, including hats, scarves and mitts.
“The gift shop is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday,” she said.
The beef on a bun event is the auxiliary’s largest fundraiser every year and is well supported by the community.
“It’s so amazing. The town just supports us so well,” said Traxel.
Barb Thompson was out enjoying beef on a bun with her husband and son.
“It’s a wonderful meal out that we have every year,” said Thompson. “They plan a beautiful event here, with their crafts, (gift tables) and the food. The auxiliary does great work.”
