Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary

The auxiliary spring card party will be held Wednesday, April 23 in the hospital cafeteria and board room. Dessert and coffee will be served at 6:30 p.m. with games beginning shortly after seven. Tickets are $7 available at the Hospital Branches Gift Shop or by calling Irene Parker at 788-2618. Make up a table, bring along your cards and join us for a fun evening of bridge or euchre.

Circle your calendar with the date Thursday, May 8, when an exciting auxiliary fundraising event will take place at Riverside Public School. “Step into Fashion” will feature clothing from many local merchants modelled by boys, girls, teens, women and even a few brave men. Light refreshments will be served at intermission with several door prizes — well worth the $20 ticket. Tickets will be on sale by the end of March at The Clothes Closet in the mall, Reflections of Muskoka, 49 Main Street East and the Auxiliary Branches Gift Shop at the hospital.

Foundation executive director Debi Davis was guest speaker at our auxiliary March meeting, giving us a very insightful presentation regarding the PACs system and how it will enhance patient care at HDMH.

Roy Stephenson has been a very active porter, volunteering at Huntsville Hospital since moving to town 11 years ago after retiring as a secondary school physics teacher. During those years he spent most of his free time volunteering at Westminster Hospital, London in the children’s orthopedic clinic where the children supplied him with their funny jokes and many laughs.

Since moving to Huntsville, Roy has been very involved with the Muskoka seniors’ organization, driving seniors to doctors’ appointments and weekly luncheons as well as a six-month commitment with one young man, driving him to physio and wherever he needed to go. Every summer Roy and his wife Verna are busy welcoming guests to their bed and breakfast, but still make time to help out in their adopted community. Verna is an in-hospital volunteer and works at least one shift a month at the Branches Gift Shop.

Since January Roy’s cheery smile and helping hands have been missed by everyone with whom he worked. He enjoys all of his activities, but due to some health concerns Roy is taking a well-deserved break.

Last month the Weekender quoted Canadian Blood Services clinic recruitment co-coordinator, Jennifer Mayhew, as saying “Family Day was an ideal opportunity for families to start a new tradition by donating blood and saving lives together.” Next month, encourage your family members to be first-time donors at the clinic, Monday, April 21 at Faith Baptist Church between 12:30 and 7 p.m. Several members of the auxiliary will be there to greet you.