INNISFAIL – Dozens of Innisfail and area residents came out to support the Florence Nightingale Strawberry Tea fundraiser for the Innisfail Health Centre.
The springtime tradition took place at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on April 26 and saw one of the largest turnouts in recent years.
“This would be the most (people) we’ve had for a couple of years or so,” said Rose Winters, president of the Innisfail and District Hospital Auxiliary. “We had probably 120 people out today or in that range and I think we had about 15 pieces of cake left.”
In addition to tea and coffee, strawberries, cake and ice cream, there was also a bake table, a quilt draw and door prizes.
All proceeds raised from the event, the bake table and the quilt draw are going to purchase needed items for the local hospital.
One couple enjoying the strawberry tea was Bob and Flory Wilkins of Innisfail.
“We try to come every year,” said Flory Wilkins. “We’re supportive of the hospital. Anything (the auxiliary) does, we try to support.”
Sean Slaney, care manager at Innisfail's Rosefield long-term care centre, was also helping out with the fundraiser on April 26.
“They’ve bought a number of things for us over the years, from patient lifts to wheelchairs,” said Slaney. “It all goes to help offset the shortfalls we have in our budgets, so coming out on a day like today to support (the tea) is a little payback from us.”
He noted the funds raised will help with acute needs at the hospital or long-term care needs at the Rosefield Centre.
“Events like this and the beef on a bun in the fall are two big events for the auxiliary and the town comes out to support, which is great to see,” he said. “All the funds (raised) stays directly in Innisfail and goes to the Innisfail Health Centre.”
Winters said they appreciate the support from the Innisfail community every year and are already planning for next year’s event.
“Next year we’re hoping to do even better because next year we’ll be going all out because it’s Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday,” Winters concluded.
