The St. Joseph’s Health Care Auxiliary Tea and Bake Sale was held Wednesday, with proceeds supporting local health care initiatives.
During the event, Auxiliary President Valarie Hagel and Treasurer Darla Wilhelm presented a $50,000 cheque to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
The Auxiliary pledged $100,000 to the hospital earlier this year and, with $30,000 previously donated in May, has now contributed $80,000 of its commitment. The funds are raised through donations, memorial contributions, and partnerships, including support from the United Way.
“This community is incredible,” said Candace Kopec, executive director of St. Joseph’s Hospital. “We are working hard so you guys have increased services closer to home, so hopefully it will increase access and reduce the amount of driving you need to do to Regina or elsewhere.”
Kopec expressed gratitude to the Auxiliary and the community for their ongoing support.
The Auxiliary also contributed $500 to purchase Christmas gifts for residents in long-term care.
Despite declining memberships in other organizations, the Auxiliary is noted as the largest in Saskatchewan and continues to maintain its strength.
"We’re going to keep going. Some might think we need to fold because there aren’t enough ladies, but we have a lot of support," said Wilhelm.
“Our Ladies Auxiliary is a pillar of this facility,” said Kopec. “You see it right when you enter the door. There’s a reason why they’re at the front entrance — they’re such an important part of this facility. I believe our Ladies Auxiliary is the largest in numbers in the entire province.”
Annual events, including sales and teas held on the first Wednesdays of May and December, remain longstanding traditions.
Wilhelm said the group is adjusting to normal operations following the pandemic and has found the new venue for their events more convenient.
“It’s working out well having it here now instead of in the auditorium. We’re quite happy to do this, and the staff here are very good at helping us get everything organized,” said Wilhelm.