Congratulations on Your New Job, Amanda!
Hospital Auxiliary Celebrates 50 Years of Service
The 50th Anniversary of the Auxiliary to the Bow Island Health Centre was celebrated with a full house of an estimated 50 - 60 guests at the Golden Age Centre on September 19, 2025. The guests included several residents from the Continuing Care wing of the Health Centre as well as community members, and former BIHC staff members both local and from as far away as Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Members of the Auxiliary served beverages to the many attendees an well as having an attractive lunch bar of fruit and baked goods. The tables were decorated with luncheon cloths and flowers. An attractive display table at the back of the room showcased display boards and archival albums and documents highlighting the accomplishments of the Auxiliary since its inception 50 years ago!
Fundraising was a major focus in the early years and even though, according to hospital archives, the first fundraiser raised a grand total of $6.60, fundraising continued successfully and enabled the Auxiliary to donate to many hospital projects as well as purchasing much needed equipment and supplies. Some of the items purchased in the early years included:
- A communication system for ease of reaching the physicians and lab staff
- CPR mannekins
- TV's
- Bilirubin Meter and so much more!
The current raffle was to raise funds to assist with the renovations of the sun rooms in the hospital. In addition to fundraising, the Auxiliary has continued to support health care in our communities in many other ways. The Auxiliary hosts monthly ice cream and cake events on Continuing Care at BIHC, encourages its members to do one-to-one visitation as often as possible both to the hospital and to shut-ins in the community, and makes Christmas special for so many with donations of Poinsettias and cookie boxes. One program that is envied by many communities is the Medical Transportation Program which arranges transportation to medical appointments for community resients in need of a ride!
A short program started with greetings from Gordon Reynolds - Mayor of Bow Island who brought both greetings and acknowledgement of the many accomplishments of the Auxiliary over the years.
Dr. Jerry Woodruff and his son, Spencer then entertained those present with two musical numbers.
This was followed by the draws for the 2025 Auxiliary Raffle with winners as follows:
- Crocheted Blanket - Heather Thacker
- Art Work - Norene Tycolis
- Jelly Roll Rug - Linda Becker
- Quilt - Sue Reimer
- Cedar Chest - Clara Kramer
There was also a special presentation of a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Charter Member, Velma Kienzle. This bouquet was arranged and donated by Fran DenHollander and presented by current member, Dianne Hyland. (photo above)
There was ample opportunity to visit and renew acquaintances both before and after the short program.
On behalf of the Bow Island & District Health Foundation - Congratulations - 50 years of service is an amazing milestone! Thank you for your continuing, outstanding presence in the community. The Foundation looks forward to working with you for many more years to enhance health local care.
As your motto says: Together we can make health happen!