On March 26th, approximately 120 members gathered for the annual Brown Bag Lunch at the SIB hall.

Each year, VCH recognizes the Auxiliary for its support of healthcare on the coast. This year included the recognition of the long-term service of 11 members who had contributed 20 plus years of volunteering. The membership also gave recognition to members who had been awarded the Outstanding Service pins in the last two years. Coffee, tea and muffins plus lunch of sandwiches, fruit and two delicious cakes was provided by VCH and the Auxiliary.

The Education Committee provided an informative program including presentations by Annalise Hasler and Amanda Ames, Nurse Practitioners and Bill Elsner from the SCRD Emergency Response Program. Thanks to the efforts of the Robert Creek and Sechelt branches, music by the Ukelele group and a sing-a-long with The Inspirations entertained us during and post lunch.
The activity staff from Totem and Shorncliffe brought 8 residents to join us. One of the residents, Terry Barker, presented a personally designed card of thanks to the Auxiliary from the residents and staff including the following original poem.

If Terry Was Auxiliary
I wish that I could learn to be
A member of the splendid hospital auxiliary
And help at their do’s and join their great events
That demand so much skill and bags of common sense.
I’d organize Birthday Parties of kind so rarely seen,
That Hollywood performers would turn enviously green.
My hair salons and movies would be the best in the show
And my gardens and bus outings would spread a friendly glow.
These words are not just waves of platitude,
But this resident’s way of showing his deepest gratitude.