INNISFAIL - Dozens of local and area residents packed the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre for some strawberry shortcake and tea.
The annual Florence Nightingale Strawberry Tea fundraiser, hosted by the Innisfail and District Health Care Auxiliary, took place April 27.
The springtime event raises money for much needed items at the Innisfail Health Centre.
“It’s a really good crowd here today. They’re buying all the (baked goods) and having a good time,” said Rose Winters, president of the Innisfail hospital auxiliary.
Every year the auxiliary receives a wish list of needed items from the hospital.
“We just finished spending $39,000. We bought 14 electric recliner chairs for the Rosefield long-term care centre,” said Winters, noting there are no specific plans yet for this year's allocation of funds.
"I know they’re looking for special mattresses. They’re replacing a lot of mattresses.
“They’re always in need of special wheelchairs. That’s always high on their list too,” explained Winters.
The Town of Innisfail helps out with the event by providing a grant to the hospital auxiliary to help cover costs at the library as well.
Each year, the strawberry tea raises close to $1,000 for the hospital.
In addition, there is a bake table with baked goods and tickets for a quilt raffle held in the fall.
“It’s wonderful. People are just great coming out to support this,” said Winters.
One of the volunteers helping out with the fundraiser was Sean Slaney, manager of long-term care at the Rosefield Centre.
“We’re just here to help the ladies' auxiliary with their fundraiser today. They are so kind to donate $15,000 towards some furniture for us, so I’m here to pay that back,” said Slaney. “The dollars that come in from the community help buy much needed equipment for the folks who live there."
Winters agreed, noting Alberta Health Services is not currently providing these item for smaller hospitals.
“So we buy these things that give more comfort for the patients," she said.
