May 2008

Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society

Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society

As published in the Peace Arch News –  May 2008

In 1957 Peace Arch Hospital began a venture to bring young volunteers into the hospital.  The girls enrolled in the program were easily recognized by their ‘candy striped’ uniforms.  Today’s Candy Striper program has moved up with the times, tossed the pink stripes and is now the ‘Junior Auxiliary.’ We are delighted to sponsor this group of energetic teenaged girls and boys from our local high schools.  There are currently 65 students ranging from 14 -17 years of age, who commit to 2 hours, once a week from September until June

In the ‘After School’ they interact with residents from both Weatherby and Dr. Hogg Pavilions.  You’ll find them playing cards, reading a book aloud, having a visit over a cup of coffee, applying nail polish, playing a musical instrument or just taking a resident out for a walk and a breath of fresh air.  Over the months both the students and the elderly people form very special friendships.

The new ‘Dining Room Host Program’ has the Students arriving at dinner time to help meet and greet the residents arriving in the dining room.  They also collect some people from their rooms and help them to their dinner table or perhaps take them outside for a brief walk before dinner. They hand out napkins, refill coffee and tea cups and simply enhance the dining experience for the many elderly residents.  This program enables trained staff to focus their skills on assisting Residents with special needs during meal times. 

Students from the Connections Program at Earl Marriott High School help at the ‘Cards & Crib Club’.  One hour a week in the new Leisure Room they join in games such as Fish, Crazy 8’s and even Blackjack.  It’s so popular that more activities are promised such as Trivia and other board games.  The ratio of volunteer to resident is wonderful, with 10 students and 8 residents in attendance! What started out in October as a quiet gathering of somewhat timid teenagers and senior citizens is now a very cheerful group who share smiles and stories.  It’s been a time of personal growth and for some, their own leadership skills are starting to shine.

The hospital staff are impressed with the level of dedication shown by all of the students.  They always show up ready to spend quality time with the elderly people.  It’s a job that many adults would not or could not do.  We commend them all!

I’m proud to announce this year’s recipients of our two $2,000 Jr. Auxiliary Bursaries: 

Caroline Liggat from Earl Marriott High School and Sarah Rhodes from Panorama Ridge High School.  Congratulations!    

My 2 year term as President of the Auxiliary comes to a close in June.  Thank you for your kind responses to my articles and your support of the Auxiliary.  It’s been a privilege to serve the community and a great organization.  Time to relax and become a regular ‘worker bee’ in the Auxiliary hive!