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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLE Afternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital Kamloops, BC 1 of 10 NOVEMBER 2014 PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2014 will soon be behind us - another busy year for this active auxiliary. Our quilters and handicraft groups work hard creating items to sell in the Gift Shop and at craft sales. The Thrift Seller and Gift Shop are showing excellent sales month after month, and the vendor program has been very successful this year. I would like to thank each and every member of the auxiliary for their hard work and dedication. Without your efforts nothing would be accomplished. By year end we will have fulfilled our equipment pledge of $226,000 – an incredible amount for which you, our volunteers, are directly responsible. The items we have purchased will make a difference in the treatment and well-being of so many patients. In October, eight delegates attended the Okanagan Mainline Area conference in Summerland. We came home inspired by the speakers and full of new ideas. The 2015 conference will be held in Richmond from April 20 th to the 22 nd . As BCAHA is celebrating its 70 th year the theme is Zero to Seventy. I encourage anyone who has never attended a conference to

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Page 1: Volume No - Afternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospitalrihauxiliary.com/.../2014/12/Newsletter-November-2014-c…  · Web viewOur quilters and handicraft groups work hard creating

THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC1 of 10

NOVEMBER

2014

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

2014 will soon be behind us - another busy year for this active auxiliary.

Our quilters and handicraft groups work hard creating items to sell in the Gift Shop and at craft sales. The Thrift Seller and Gift Shop are showing excellent sales month after month, and the vendor program has been very successful this year. I would like to thank each and every member of the auxiliary for their hard work and dedication. Without your efforts nothing would be accomplished.

By year end we will have fulfilled our equipment pledge of $226,000 – an incredible amount for which you, our volunteers, are directly responsible. The items we have purchased will make a difference in the treatment and well-being of so many patients.

In October, eight delegates attended the Okanagan Mainline Area conference in Summerland. We came home inspired by the speakers and full of new ideas. The 2015 conference will be held in Richmond from April 20th to the 22nd. As BCAHA is celebrating its 70th year the theme is Zero to Seventy. I encourage anyone who has never attended a conference to seriously consider doing so next year. You'll meet lots of interesting people to exchange ideas and network with. Along with the Evening Auxiliary we will be hosting the April 2016 BCAHA provincial conference in Kamloops.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new members that have recently joined us. Thank you for choosing to share your talents and time with us and contributing in your own special way.

2015 will bring change as the much needed new parkade and clinical tower are constructed. These renovations will certainly improve our hospital. For our part we will continue to raise funds to help fill the ever widening gap between available funding and much needed equipment purchases for RIH.

Thank you to the Executive, Convenors and all our members for your commitment and support. I am wishing each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2015.

Jean Dahl

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC2 of 10

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATIONJUNE 2014 AWARDS LIST

5 Year

Jean Badgero, Sandra Leatham, Jackie Novak, Karen Sondergaard, Barb Morrill, Betty Meechem, Donna Frolek, Hilda Konrad, Linda Hebner, Andrea Campbell, Alice Yu, Edie McMullen, Iris Olson, Kathie Ayotte

6 to 9 Years

Dody Blackburn, Loretta Ellison, Pat Liddy, Valerie Holm, Dorothy Thiessen, Joyce Blackburn, Beth Wojciechowski, Dot Falk, Ella Ablett, Fay McGill, Joy Parkes, Nell Hudyma, Mary Goddard, Karen Wocnitz, Camille Hudson, Donna Otto, Pauline Taillefer, Irene Keith, Rachel Cornwell, Fonsa Ma, Jeanette Mackenzie, Del Reimer, Peggy Mears, Sheryl Stothart, Cindy Lewis, Mary Kelly, Mildred Dalgleish, Catherine Thompson, Barb Bryant, Krys Jarmana, Lori Keetch, Kathy McLean, Vi Schwarz, Peggy Heath, Isilda Rodrigues

10 Year

Silvana Porco, Wendy Venne, Marilyn Stephens, Elaine Fitzgerald, Willa Dale, Maureen Tearoe, Merle Newman

11 to 14 Years

Lois Priebe, Lynn Littlejohns, Vicki Lemaire, Ethel Fowles, Jean Dahl, Marg Bennett, Trudy DeLuca, Helen Comazzetto, Stella Comazzetto

15 Years

Joanna Pierrot, Toodie Hogg

16 to 19 Years

Nettie Makortoff, Evelyn Baziuk, Vicki Gray, Helen McLean, Sonja Marek, Earla Horne, Joyce Thompson

20 Years

Jo Hill, Wilda Bronken, Veronica Dreshsler 21 to 24 Years

Linda Mayhood, Yvonne Boulega, Irene Bridgeman, Joanette Goddard, Janet Doubt, Dot McDougall

25 Years

Ella Ziegler

26 to 29 Years

Lynda Desrocher, Ilene Zurowski

31 to 34 Years

Abundia Cobb, Geraldine Hubbard, Marie Shale, Marilyn Kichlbach, Audrey MacKenzie

40 Year Service Bar

Janet Ashby (41 years of service)

45 Year Service Bar

Beppie Crawford (48 years of service) 

SCIENTIFIC REPORT

Older people do not decline mentally with age, it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains, scientists believe. Much like a computer struggles as the hard drive gets full up, so too do humans take longer to access information, it has been suggested.

Researchers say this slowing down is not the same as cognitive decline. The human brain works slower in old age, Dr. Michael Ramscar said, but only because we have stored more information over time. The brains of older people do not get weak. On the contrary, they simply know more. Also, older people often go to another room to get something and when they get there, they stand there wondering what they came for. It is NOT a memory problem it is nature’s way of making older people do more exercise.

SO THERE!! We Are All Brilliant! By Sarah Knapton, Science Correspondent

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC3 of 10

OMA CONFERENCE

The conference was held in Summerland, BC this year. Our group, Joy Parkes, Sophie Therrien, Jean Hamm and I arrived at the resort around 4pm. The accommodation was absolutely wonderful. After settling in we had a happy hour then out for dinner. After dinner, we went to the meet and greet session. The next morning was registration and then off to the Thrift Shop. It’s very well-run front and back. After lunch we had two speakers. Hugh Culver was first and was very interesting and funny. He is a published author and after his talk, he gave away a few of his books and sold some. We then had a lady by the name of Carole Patane lead us in a Zumba break for 10 minutes. The next speaker was Juanita Juill, who is the Residential Health Services Administrator for Interior Health. She spoke on team work etc. We then prepared for the banquet. The theme was to portray a sport, so we all went in Blazers Jerseys. The dinner was great and afterwards we had some good old toe tapping music. Next morning was a Buffet breakfast. We then had our last speaker, Del Reimer. He is a Baptist minister. He was excellent. Among other things, he spoke on personal growth. He also mentioned to weed out disgruntled and ineffective volunteers. We then had another Zumba break. The winners of the silent auction and bucket raffles were read out. Then to our AGM which it looks like we will be alternating the two conferences if the other areas get on board. Then we came home. All in all we thought it was a very good conference. We were not the only four to go to the conference. Jean Dahl, Kathie Ayotte, Ann Hathaway and Fay Walton also attended, as well as some from the evening auxiliary went, Jenny Quince, Wilma Scheer, Krys Jarmana and two others.

Submitted by:

Irene BridgemanJean Hamm

This Cook Book was compiled and Published by the Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Royal Inland Hospital in 1946 and sold for $1.00 each.

DICTIONARY FOR WOMEN

Argument (ar*gyou*ment)n. A discussion that occurs when you’re right, but he just hasn’t realized it yet.

Airhead (er*hed)n. What a woman intentionally becomes when pulled over by a policeman.

Barbeque (bar*bi*q)n. You bought the groceries, washed the lettuce, chopped the tomatoes, diced the onions, marinated the meat and cleaned everything up, but he “made the dinner”.

Blonde Jokes (blond joks)n. Jokes that are short so men can understand them.

Cantaloupe (kant*e*lope)n. Got to get married in a church.

Clothes Dryer (kloze dri*yer)n. An appliance designed to eat socks.

Diet Soda (dy*it so*da)n. A drink you buy at a convenience store to go with a half-pound bag of peanut M&M’s.

Eternity (e*ter*ni*tee)n. The last two minutes of a football game.

Exercise (ex*er*siz)n. To walk up and down a mall, occasionally resting to make a purchase.

Grocery List (grow*ser*ee list)n. What you spend half an hour writing, and then forget to take with you to the store.

Mrs. Willoughby President in 1944 Mrs. Pyper President in 1941

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC4 of 10

GIFT SHOP

The saying goes “Time flies when you are having fun” and this past year has certainly gone by quickly. It has been very busy in the Gift Shop - sometimes hard to keep the shelves stocked with new items. We are looking forward to a very busy Christmas Season and have lots of giftware plus many beautiful items supplied to the shop by the Knitters, Stitchers, Crafters and Quilting groups - well done everyone! Visitors, patients, staff and volunteers can usually find the perfect gift they are looking for.

We are always thankful when students apply to volunteer in the Gift Shop and we welcome Brianna Pickering, Chanel Sangha, Hannah Cruickshank, Hannah McGrath, Monique Nijjer as well as Ally Alburquenque who has been with us since last year. Ruth Sorensen comes in to volunteer when she is not working at her regular job - thanks to everyone!!

As you all know - it takes a great team of volunteers to operate the Gift Shop each and every day and we have that kind of “team” in our shop. Thanks to each and every one of you for the part you play in making the shop a success.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - as well as good health and happiness!!

Submitted by:

Lois Priebe, Maureen Tearoe, & Andrea Campbell

VENDOR PROGRAM

The Vendor Program is currently “Under Construction”. Hopefully this will make things easier for everyone. We are definitely busier and have had every available space booked since September. Some of the vendors have been with us since 2007 when Lynn Littlejohns and Lynda Derocher promoted the Vendor Program. With our new scheduling system we hope to accommodate as many vendors as possible – old and new.

We have already increased the number of businesses to our program which has given us an increase in revenues. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Submitted by:

Sophie Therrien

CANCER CLINIC &LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

Look Good Feel Better has participated in The Bay and Sears Galas to spread the word about the Hat & Wig Lending Bank at the RIH Hospital. We also did the Boob Tour event again, as well as a Shopper’s Drug Mart Beauty event. We were at the recent Craft-A-Fair promoting our program.

Submitted by:

Trudy Deluca

MOBILE CART

With the end of summer we have also seen the end of the struggle for enough volunteers to man the mobile cart.  We have at this moment every day someone going out with it which is wonderful to see as we are making the most of this service.  Thanks to Gayle and her "Youth Volunteers" we have 2 days filled by them taking the cart out and the other days we have some very dedicated people. To mention one is Donna Frolek who goes out every Tuesday for the last 6 years. Thank you so much Donna and hope to have you part of our team for a long time to come.  Happy Holidays to all of you and keep up the great work you do. Submitted by:

Tilly Meuwissen

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC5 of 10

THRIFT SELLER

The Thrift Seller has had a great summer, and we’re working on a profitable fall and winter season. We appreciate those volunteers that saw us through the summer and early fall by doing extra shifts and helping the store run smoothly. Because of some extra effort and lots of team work, our profits have done nothing but go UP. We got involved with Cann Am, who come to the store every couple of months and pay us for bags of discarded clothing. Last time they came, this was a tidy profit of $814.62. Sports equipment was gathered and a load was taken to Consignor Sports, who paid us $447.32. The Royal Albert dishes we received put another $150.00 in the bank! Sales continue to increase month after month, with a huge October - $5,500 above last year. We cleaned out the entire store at the end of August and had a very successful following week, with a $1,100 day. Our volunteers are the grease that keeps the engines running. Thank you so much volunteers. Our Silent Auction is operating again, so come in and see some of our treasures. The volunteers work constantly on the pile of incoming donations and in return keep the customers coming in.

If you take a walk down to the store, you’ll notice that our building has been painted a fresh, modern colour. Our displays are attractive and everyone has been helping to keep the store clean and polished.

As we glide into the Christmas season, we will be involved in the “28 Days of Christmas” campaign, sponsored by the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association. There will be many prizes, draws, and perks for the shoppers. The girls and guys have been working to keep the shelves and racks loaded with good things, and we will have a huge Christmas centre at the front of the store, before long.

We’re very excited to have nine new volunteers who are doing a super job. They seem enthusiastic and make a difference with filling shifts and making things run smoothly. Our faithful long time volunteers do a great deal as well, and we’re very grateful for their dedication. Once again, our Christmas elves will be scurrying around and putting out some delightful treasurer for the holidays. Come down and see us!

Please come to our Annual Christmas Luncheon and get to know your fellow volunteers – Dec. 1st, 12:00 p.m. at the Cavalry Community Church. See you there.

Submitted by:

Joy Parkes & Sophie Therrien

Cann Am load

“THANK YOU” to those of you who have made donations. The small boxes jewellery comes in – either hinged or cardboard are great. Please keep them coming. They work well for our rings, earrings, etc.

Thank you also to Sabrina and Mark at the Jewellery Exchange in Kelowna for continuing to help identify and value items for the Silent Auctions. As well as, thank you to Nicki at Danielle’s Silver and Gold in Sahali Mall for her help in valuing jewellery donations we receive.

Submitted by:

Anne Hawthorne The Jewellery Lady

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC6 of 10

YOUTH VOLUNTEERING

What’s new in Youth Volunteering?

Youth Volunteers, also known as Candy Stripers and Cadets (the male counterparts), are high school students, ages 14-18. Most have their sights on a career in health care and are eager to learn everything they can about the hospital. They are enthusiastic and glad to assist staff with small tasks and provide patient comforts by visiting, helping people find their way, reading, writing letters, or handing out magazines. Volunteers are seeking experience as well as hours towards applying to university or scholarships.

Youth volunteers are assigned in a variety of health care settings acute or residential, usually under the supervision of a nurse. Our Youth Volunteer program is sponsored by the Afternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital and overseen by Volunteer Services. Volunteers are assigned to all areas of the hospital: 7N, 6N &S, 5N, Peds, 4N, 3W, L&D, NICU, ICU & SDU, Pharmacy, ED, Info Desk and the Mobile Cart.

Many recognize the term “Candy Striper” which creates a vision of a teenage girl in a red and white striped pinafore. This model dates back to the 1940’s. While there are some programs that continue to subscribe to this traditional model, we are promoting a more modern version of engaging young people in all that we do. It is not unusual to find that many leaders in our health care system today will tell you that as teenagers they were Candy Stripers. Our goal is to see Youth Volunteers – guys and girls - in acute hospital settings, Auxiliary gift and thrift shops and assisting with other hospital functions in addition to community events.

We are proud to say that many of our recent Youth Volunteers have been accepted into Nursing School and Respiratory Program at TRU, X-Ray Technician programs, and numerous universities in BC for Kinesiology and undergrad degrees for medical school.

For more information about this program, please contact Gayle Weiss, Volunteer Coordinator, RIH Volunteer Services 250-314-2313

Submitted by:

Gayle Weiss

RIH Candy Stripers 1970 - 1978

RIH Youth Volunteers 2014

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC7 of 10

KNITTERS & CRAFTERS

A very special group of women in the community spend their time creating knit or crochet items that are then offered for sale through the Gift Shop at RIH. There are a variety of baby items such as sweaters, hoodies, toques, booties, hats and blankets. The adults have not been forgotten either with warm slippers, toques, mitts, ponchos and blankets available. If you are at the hospital, please stop in at the Gift Shop on the 2nd floor and check out the many beautiful items. We were able to attend the Craft-A-Fair in November and were very happy with the support of the community as many of the items presented were sold. We really appreciate the beautiful hand- made articles we receive and would welcome anyone interested in joining the group.

Thank you for another great year.

The craft group of the RIH Afternoon Auxiliary meet weekly. Two new members joined the group recently, Camilia and Annette, and we look forward to sharing ideas for future projects. We have participated in special events such as the Craft- A-Fair held at the Interior Savings Centre. All of the crafts are for sale at the Gift Shop. We also have to make a mention to our honorary crafter, Richard, who comes in often to brighten our day. We enjoy the time we spend in the craft room and have lots of laughs at some of our efforts.

Thank you to Convenor Linda Mayhood for another successful year.

Submitted by:

Carol Day

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This baby blanket was started years ago but never completed. The birth of a special baby boy made the family want to have the blanket finished. Not knowing how to crochet, they contacted the RIH Auxiliary Knitters. The blanket was finished by one of the talented volunteers. We hope the family is happy with the result and wish to say “Thank you” to the volunteer for a job well done.

QUILTERS

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC8 of 10

The quilters have been busy again this year selling tickets for the draw on December 2, at the luncheon for our featured quilt. We also attended the Craft-A-Fair again this year. Thanks to all for another great year.

Submitted by:

Sharlene Reid - on behalf of the quilters

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY…NOVEMBER 18, 1899

“Madam” The directors of the Royal Inland Hospital earnestly request your attendance at the public meeting of the ladies of Kamloops to be held at the hospital on Friday afternoon, May 28, at 3 p.m., for the purpose of organizing a Ladies’ Auxiliary in connection with that institution.

This letter led to the formation of our Ladies Auxiliary on November 11, 1899 when 34 ladies of “good character’ met to discuss hospital affairs to determine how best to aid the Board of Directors of the hospital. Membership fee was $ .50.

In those early years, the hospital was financed by donations from the community, the work of the auxiliary, and some paying patients. Only about half of the patients were able to pay the daily fee of $2.10. Industrial concerns in the area paid $ .75 per month per employee, entitling those employees to free service of the hospital and of a doctor.

The Auxiliary made money through Tag Days, Teas, Balls, moonlight excursions on the Thompson River, Dances, Concerts and Fashion Shows. A member of the community, Mr. Fortune, donated a horse to the Auxiliary to raise funds. Another money working service of the ladies’ was sewing and darning socks for the bachelors in Kamloops.

The first equipment list from the hospital administration in January 1900 was as follows: 4 dozen towels; 2 dozen table napkins, ½ dozen cups, saucers and tea plates 2 dozen sheets; 2 dozen draw sheets; 1 dozen flannelette night shirts.

Other purchases in those early years were a kitchen stove, linens, paint forwards, and 3 footstools. In addition, $200.00 was donated towards a battery-operated x–ray machine and $100.00 towards a furnace. The ladies also had $24.00 posted as a reward to get a conviction against a town character known as the “Dodger” for ridiculing the Ladies’ Auxiliary and the Hospital Administration.

In 1913, the outspoken Mr. Robinson, Mayor of Kamloops, called the auxiliary a “useless organization as their united efforts for the year would not maintain the hospital for 2 days” and he suggested they might as well disband.

During the war years, the auxiliary came close to disbanding, dropping to a low in 1917, making only $67.33. However, in late 1918, the ladies reorganized and raised $926.00

In 1920, the Auxiliary raised over $1000.00. This was the first year the ladies sponsored a dance for the graduation nurses, providing proficiency scholarships of $15.00 and $10.00. Over these years, the Auxiliary continued to provide furnishings for the Nurses’ home, turkey at Christmas for the adult patients and toys for the children.

Mrs. Marlatt, whom many of you remember, and who died this year at the age of 102, became the treasurer in 1930. During this 10 year period, curtains were provided in the public and some private wards for the privacy of the patient. A “Book Tea” was held to provide reading material for a hospital library. Distributing these books and magazines to patients became a regular service which has continued to the present day.

The 1940’s were another low period for the Auxiliary. Membership dropped from the 90’s to the 60’s, a drive for $5,000.00 in conjunction with the hospital administration netted only $1000.00. Some advances were made however. The Baby Show Case was started and the first Cook Book was printed, followed by a second edition in 1952. Money realized

from the sale of these books was earmarked to buy stainless steel bedpans for the entire hospital. In 1948 the Auxiliary joined the provincial organization and sent its first delegates to a convention.

The 1950’s produced our first publicity chairman and brought in the Play Ladies who entertained the children 5 mornings a week.

The 1960’s brought expansion to our services in many areas. Two members assisted in the Medical Library from 1962-1972 when a paid assistants was hired. Our Thrift Shop opened downtown in 1963 in the Old Wing Building, with a nominal rental through the courtesy of Mr. Peter Wing. In 1967 our Concession and Cart Service in the hospital wards started, showing a net profit of around $2000.00 for the year. For the past 10 years the Thrift Shop and Gift Shop together have cleared $30,000.00 - $50,000.00. In 1966 our first newsletter was published and in 1969 our service in Admitting and Patient Comfort was started.

Through the 1970’s and to the present day, business in both the Thrift and Gift Shops expanded to the point where a paid manageress was needed to co-ordinate the businesses from one volunteer chairman to the next one. The Thrift Shop also needed larger quarters and moved into the present location on Victoria Street and the Gift Shop finally moved into permanent quarters in the front of the hospital. In 1971 the Auxiliary

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC9 of 10

took over the sponsorship of the Candy Stripers from the Nurses Alumnae. The Bandage-Bees, now known as the Versatile Group due to the variety of the off jobs they take on, started meeting once a week. In 1973 the Auxiliary began assistance in the Diabetic Clinic and doing Pharmaceutical Revision. The latter service was terminated this year (2003).

In the 1980’s Pediatric Tours were started to familiarize young children coming into the hospital for the first time with hospital routine. The Quilters joined the already well-established Craft Group and promoted further good publicity by their wall hanging in the Museum, called “Kamloops Reflections”, and by the crest in City Hall done for the city’s 90th birthday. A Sunshine Committee was established to visit our own members in hospital.

Over the years, three of our members have been Regional Representatives of the Okanagan Mainline Area: Jen Krag, Adene Clay and Mary Martin. Jen Krag went on to become Provincial President assisted by Provincial Secretary June Aubrey. Adene Clay served a term as a Candy Striper/ Provincial Chairman and Norma (Betty) Dalgleish had a term as National Treasurer.

In 1914 the first audit of the Auxiliary books was done, indicating the year’s take at $440.86. In the past few years, 30 – 50,000 volunteer hours per year have brought comfort and service to patients within the hospital and raised money for the hospital equipment in the amount of around $130,000.00 yearly.

SO MUCH FOR A “USELESS ORGANIZATION”!

Compiled by: Helen Karvonen, December 1984 from information included in a leaflet given to her by Janet Doubt

VOLUNTEERS

As in the Article, which was in previous newsletters, November 11, 1899 is a day to remember! 34 ladies of “good character” met to discuss hospital affairs to determine how best to aid the Board of Directors of the hospital. At that time the RIH Ladies Auxiliary was born. Because of the importance of all the volunteers in the RIH Afternoon Auxiliary, the newsletter will feature a “Special Group” in the following editions. In this issue we are spotlighting the “Stitchers” group.

STITCHERS

The Afternoon Auxiliary Stitchers Group is currently 13 strong. We meet each Thursday morning at 9 AM, in an upstairs room in the Thrift Seller. We meet to label and price our sewing items, to plan future events and to organize our

next projects, as well as to enjoy coffee and chatting. All our stitching is done at home. Each of us exercises our own choices on the projects we do and the way we do it. Donated material and patterns are available for our use. This freedom to choose our own projects gives the group lots of variety, colour, and patterns in the items we put up for sale in the Gift Shop at the hospital. It also gives each of us variety and novelty in the projects we do, which greatly adds to our interest in the group. Marie Shale has convened the stitchers since it became independent, and continues on enthusiastically in the position.

The stitchers were once a part of the crafters group. Originally we all worked together, but over time found it easier to divide into crafts, stitching, and knitting. We remained for a time under one group umbrella, but met on different days. Eventually we formed 3 groups, the Crafters, Stitchers and Knitters. For many years we worked out of the hospital, in a basement area, a ward area, and the alumni tower. Six years ago we moved to the Thrift Seller to enjoy our own space under the Auxiliary roof.

Although most of our time has been spent on making items for the Gift Shop and for different bazaar and sale events, we have worked on a few large projects over the years. We have made baby and child night gowns and pajamas for the pediatric ward, and kimono's and adult pajamas for the wards, As well as our latest projects, gift bags for the Gift Shop to give away to customers, and curtains for the nursery ICU.

Special mention goes to one of our members, Helen McLean. She has been a member of the Stitcher group since she moved to Kamloops from Little Fort. Helen was one of the first

people to move into the Ponderosa Lodge Apartments, having put her name on the list even before the soil was turned for the project! She has stopped coming to the meetings, as the stairs are too much for her to manage, but has not stopped sewing for us! She adds cheer and a very positive attitude to the group and is never afraid to offer ideas and to do her share of work in the projects. Most of her projects are colourful and imaginative. Perhaps you have seen her finger puppets at the Gift Shop or her animal child aprons! She has made puppets and children's toys since her son was a child and in kindergarten, and has done it for the Little Fort school as well as our hospital ever since.

If you enjoy sewing and making interesting creations, if you enjoy sharing a couple of hours a week visiting with like-minded individuals, if you wish to help raise money for the hospital through your sewing----join us!! We are a lot of fun.

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC10 of 10

Submitted by:

Wilma Scheer

The Stitchers group consists of the following:

Barb Bryant, Rachel Cornwall, Ellen DeBryn, Lois Gallant, Loraine Harries, Linda Hebner, Jo Hill, Dot McDougall, Helen McLean, Peggy Mears, Wilma Scheer, Marie Shale (Convenor) and Dorothy Thiessen

(Not all are represented in the photo)

PICTURE PAGE – SOME OF OUR ACTIVITIES!!!!

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THE FRIENDLY CIRCLEAfternoon Auxiliary to Royal Inland Hospital

Kamloops, BC11 of 10

Merry Christmas and from the NewsletterTeam – Carol and Shar