“Show Off Your 'True Colours!" was the theme of Prairie North Health Region’s Volunteer Appreciation Evening held Thursday last week at the Knights of Columbus Hall in North Battleford. Approximately 300 volunteers were honoured for their contribution to the health and well-being of their community.
For the first time, the volunteers of the various auxiliaries that serve the Battlefords and Maidstone area health facilities were also honoured at the event.
Darlene Kingwell, manager of volunteer and spiritual services, said, "Auxiliaries are the original volunteer workforce, before we knew volunteerism was cool."
It's been 20 years since the beginning of the events honouring health care volunteers, said Kingwell. She said, "We're not only here to help others, but we're here to help each other, to be the motivators and ask other people to join the ranks. You can advertise all you want, but if somebody says, 'you know what, this is worthwhile, this is meaningful,' simply asking an individual will make all the difference."
Bonnie O'Grady, Prairie North Health Region board chair, said, "As a board and staff, we recognize the importance of our volunteer workforce. We have a dedicated staff and departments in order to support your work through program development, orientation and appreciation programs such as tonight."
She said, while most volunteers don't give their time to receive accolades, it is important to gather together in the spirit of what volunteers contribute and give credit because "it's about the magic of that connection with the community."
Derek Mahon, mayor of Battleford, and Ian Hamilton, mayor of North Battleford also expressed their thanks to the Prairie North volunteers, followed by MLA Herb Cox who brought greetings on behalf of Premier Brad Wall and the Government of Saskatchewan.
"This is probably one of the best things I get to do as an MLA. I get a lot of great tasks to do and to recognize volunteers is very important," said Cox.
Giving time is key, he pointed out.
"Whether you can free up two hours, 20 hours or 200 hours, what you do is so important to the lives of the people that you help.”
Gloria King, VP of integrated health services, thanked the volunteers, saying they help Prairie North accomplish its vision, mission and values.
“Your presence is soothing. There's no doubt there’s evidence it contributes to the healing process of individuals, and your giving of yourself for the benefit of others who are having a struggle, that is truly appreciated by us.”
Monique Pretty, director of continuing care, said while she’s been with Prairie North only about four months it’s apparent to her the voluntary services and auxiliaries of the region are robust.
“When I visit the long term sites in the area, there is a common theme that is consistent and that is how valuable each and every one of you are to our residents in our facilities. Time and time and again I hear that many of our programs wouldn’t be possible without all of you.”
River Heights Lodge assistant facility manager, Peggy Grift, spoke in gratitude of the RHL auxiliary and volunteers.
“The time you share with residents at RHL greatly improves their quality of life. The recreation programming is enhanced with your efforts and talents,” said Grift.
Thanking the volunteers of Villa Pascal, facility manager Theresa Michaud, said, “In 1990, there wasn’t a lot of money in health care, so the ladies’ auxiliary was formed.”
She said from 1990 to April of 2016 they worked 304 bingos.
“That’s a lot of bingo,” said Michaud.
They have raised a total of $270,609.72 over the years.
“It is amazing,” she said, listing purchases and facility improvements the auxiliary helped fund.
Linda Shynkaruk, director of Saskatchewan Hospital, spoke about the hospital’s auxiliary AMGITS, which was established to enhance the quality of life for individuals who suffer a mental illness. It strongly supports community contact, she said, by raising funds to pay for community activities and outings, even paying for bus tickets for patients who otherwise can’t afford to go home for Christmas and gifts for every patient.
“From the bottom of my heart I’d like to thank all of our AMGITS volunteers,” said Shynkaruk, pointing out Kingwell was one of the original members.
Sandy Grant, facility manager of Battlefords District Care Centre, thanked the volunteers who give of their time and talents to improve the quality of life for BDCC residents.
“This is especially important as many of our residents have family from afar and some residents have no family.”
Volunteers also raise funds for improvements to the facility, said Grant, listing a variety of items.
Remarks were wound up with words from Vikki Smart, VP of primary health services.
“What a wonderful night,” she said. “The best part of it all is all of you, the guests of honour and all the volunteers who help us so much in Prairie North.”
The volunteer appreciation event also featured entertainment. In introducing pianist, composer and singer Sarah Whitbread and mezzo soprano Melanie Hemmerling, guest performers, Kingwell talked about volunteerism being a part of a circle of family and friends.
"Sarah is part of a third generation of presently serving volunteers," she said. "Her mother Barb Beland and her grandmother Jo-Ann Blanchard volunteered together every Thursday morning as hospital greeters."
She went on to say Whitbread, upon learning originally scheduled performer Cammie Vany would be unavailable, recruited Hemmerling, married to one of the Hemmerling brothers who sang for many years as volunteers at Prairie North's long-term care facilities.
"So you see what I mean by circle of family and friends," said Kingwell.
Also entertaining was Clayton Wolfe of Edam, a Grade 7 student at H. Hardcastle School. Now 13 years old, he has been playing the accordion since he was nine. He has always been willing to entertain at Lady Minto Health Care Centre with his lively music, said Kingwell.
