After a very busy start to 2012, the Ladies of the Lake Auxiliary to Cowichan District Hospital and Cairnsmore Place enjoyed a relaxing albeit busy meeting at the Shaker Mill. The meeting was relaxing because we knew it was the last one until September.
Since the beginning of this year, we have continued with our various volunteer jobs. Members are helping the Activities department of Cairnsmore by serving tea to the residents each Tuesday and selling at the Gift Shop.
It is a lovely Gift Shop with some permanent, in stock necessities like combs, hair elastics, and oral hygene products, etc. As well, candy bars, pop, ice cream, little gift items, slip-proof socks, cards, are sold.
The residents enjoy the little luxury and independence of being able to purchase items for themselves, or a visiting relative or friend. Even the staff enjoy some of our treats!
Some our members volunteer at H.A.T.S. (Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop) on Station Street and are always happy to buy themselves some treats from the gently used clothing or household items they notice during their work shifts.
Of course, most of Lake Cowichan residents could not miss the ladies during Tag Day on May 4th. Did they tag you for a small donation? All the funds raised go directly to our donations to the two facilities we support. In early January, a motion was made to donate $12,000 to the facilities.
These funds have purchased bed alarms, fall mats, and alarm seat belts at Cairnsmore; an ice machine and over top tables for ER at Cowichan District Hospital.
Through the generosity of the residents of Lake Cowichan, Honeymoon Bay, Youbou, and Mesachie Lake we are able to contribute every two years and we thank everyone for this help.
Our meeting at the Shaker Mill included a lovely smorgasbord. Laverne Miller, our lifetime member, swore in the following executive for 2012 - 2013: President - Marge Anderson; Vice-President — Noreen Mruk; Treasurer — Elaine Schultz; Secretary — Candy Green.
She then presented well deserved pins to our long standing members. Jeanene Mangelson and Helen Duncan were presented 25 year pins; Adelle Watson with a 45 year pin; Margo Brown, Wilma Erickson and Adelle Watson with Lifetime Membership pins. Laverne gave a little history about each lady and their support and contributions for all these years. The membership responded with heartfelt applause and congratulations!
Joan Hieta was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers after four years as president and Carol LaForge presented Lorraine Lloyd with a bouquet as she is moving to Courtenay.
After a delicious lunch, hugs and wishes were exchanged as members headed off to their life beyond Hospital Auxiliary.
Have a safe summer everyone!
— Submitted by Lorraine Lloyd