Jean Minifie
President, Kimberley Health-Care
Although the hospital is no longer in operation in Kimberley the Auxiliary still runs the two thrift shops (one on Howard Street in Kimberley and the other one in Marysville) and the Loan Cupboard at the Health Centre. Over the past several years that I have been involved, because of the dedication and many hours of hard work by the Volunteers the Auxiliary has made some sizeable donations to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. However, we still have the huge issue of having enough volunteers to man our shops and Loan Cupboard. There isn’t much difference between the Auxiliary and other organizations/groups who depend on their volunteers to keep things running smoothly!
Volunteers are not as available as they once were! Life styles have changed and now in modern times most parents are working just to make ends meet. Most of the parents who volunteer are usually supporting activities that their kids are involved in. We understand that; however, for the safety and security of our volunteers we require two people on site in order to be open. If the Auxiliary doesn’t have enough volunteers at our shops to be cashiers and sorters or at the Loan Cupboard to help clients with their medical equipment needs there will have to be some changes. The most obviously would be to cut back on the hours the shops are open, depending on the volunteers available.
Even if you can only spare a few hours a week, we would value your help! Volunteering with the Kimberley Health-Care Auxiliary is not only gratifying but also worthwhile. Please contact: Janna Hoel for Marysville Thrift Shop - 250-427-9345, Jean Minifie 250-432-9604 or Jacquie Perrault 250-427-2450 for Kimberley Thrift Shop or Louanne Sanderson for the Loan Cupboard 250-427-4314.