Hospital auxiliary honours its volunteers

Fran Donaldson, PECMH Auxiliary vice-president, Wanda Strachan, Outstanding Volunteer, Sue Law PECMH Auxiliary president and Ann White, membership and volunteer services. Sue Capon photo

Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary members were honoured last week for putting in more than 20,507 volunteer hours and for raising more than $100,000 in support of the hospital at Picton.
“Even though we’re a small community, it is very large in its support,” said Ann White who looks after membership and volunteer services. “We have raised more than a million dollars over the years the auxiliary has been here.”
Wanda Strachan was named Outstanding Volunteer for her almost 20 years of service with auxiliary in a myriad of positions including president, vice-president, director, various convener positions, tag days, house tours, blood clinic,  membership and has most recently taken on the position of auxiliary historian.
“She has worked more than 5,000 volunteer hours,” White said, “And she’s still working at the Second Time Around Shop. She is truly a credit to the auxiliary.”
Elayne Meharg, representing the Ontario Hospital Auxiliary Association, presented a Provincial Life Membership, the auxiliary’s highest award that can be received by a volunteer, to Ivy Helmer who has contributed her time and talent to the County auxiliary for about 40 years.
Nancy Hicks presented a local life membership to PECMHA President Sue Law, as a member held in high esteem.
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of this community, supporting our county hospital here in Picton,” said Law. She added that it’s the extra things the auxiliary members do that make up amazing accomplishments, such as the recent presentation of $25,000 to the PECMH Foundation and $65,000 to the Imagine Campaign to wrap up their $250,000 commitment to Quinte Health Care.
Honoured for 1,000 hours of service were Myrna Martin and Ann White.
Honoured for 2,000 hours of service were Winona Moran and Sue Law.
Honoured for 3,000 hours of service were Mary Jane Daubney, Nancy Hicks, Claire Lott and Irene Simpson.
Honoured for 4,000 hours of service was Marion Smith.
Honoured for 5,000 hours of service was Wanda Strachan.
Pins for long term service were also presented.
10-year pin: Muriel Brand, Joan Brown, Doris Dance, Nancy Hicks, Claire Lott, Shirley Oliver, Fran Renoy and Geralyn Walmsley.
15-year pin: Barbara Gates.
20-year pin: Martha Morris.
25-year pin: Annie Thissen.
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Joan and Bob Mercer, in recognition of their assistance and support with the blood donor clinics and other contributions over the years.
The final presentation of the afternoon was to “a good friend of the auxiliary for a very long time.”
President Sue Law presented Rev. Audrey Whitney with an honourarium from the auxiliary in thanks for her kind and compassionate care to families, patients, staff and volunteers done on a voluntary basis at Picton hospital.

Elayne Meharg presents Ivy Helmer with her Provincial Life Membership pin. Sue Capon photo