Carole Murray

President

Carole was born and raised in Vancouver before moving to North Vancouver. After teaching for 28 years, she retired to her beloved, longtime family home in Halfmoon Bay, B.C. Carole joined her local Auxiliary in 2007 so that she could work with seniors at the Totem Lodge Extended Care facility. Little did she know that this initial step would lead to roles as Publicity Officer, Vice-Chair and Chair of the Halfmoon Bay Branch, and then various executive positions, including that of President, of the Sunshine Coast Healthcare Auxiliary. In addition to her Auxiliary service, she earned Life Membership in the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron and assumed local, provincial and then national chairmanship of Youth Programmes on behalf of the CPS. Carole has a son and daughter, and five lovely grandchildren that keep her busy. She enjoys traveling and has driven across many provinces, with her dog as companion, for family weddings and get-togethers. As the BCAHA Vice President she is looking forward to meeting all of the Auxiliaries across the Province.

Diane Thornton

Past President

A longtime member of the Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Diane has held various executive positions and currently serves as Past President, she also volunteers at her Auxiliary’s popular Penny Pincher Thrift Store. Born in Vancouver, Diane grew up in Powell River and left after high school to attend UBC. After graduation, she worked as a Customs Broker, a career that spanned over 40 years. Diane is married to Larry Gillott, they have no children but are grandparents to six grandchildren who all live in Australia (“I skipped the middle step,” she notes). Diane and Larry enjoy travelling the world, taking cruises and venturing out in their fifth-wheel RV. They also enjoy square dancing, gardening and playing with their two cute Golden Doodles. Diane comes from a family of Auxiliary volunteers. Her mother was a member of the Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary and her two sisters are current members. Volunteering keeps her active and engaged, and she sees her BCAHA executive role as an opportunity to further contribute and connect with others.

Ian Burke

Vice President, Co-Lower Mainland Area Director

Ian was born in Powell River, attended Henderson, Brooks and Max Cameron schools, moving to Victoria in 1974, he joined the Canadian Forces in the Administration Branch and was initially posted to Pacific Region Headquarters in Victoria. Ian spent 14 years on the West Coast in various postings.

In December of 1987 he was transferred to the Air Force and moved to Winnipeg at Air Command Headquarters in Personnel Section, a position he held until he was posted to the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) Winnipeg for three years as a Military Career Counsellor.

On return from the CFRC in August 1997, he moved into Air Force training, responsible for officer training for the Air Force Reserves.  On 1 January 2001 he was promoted to Major and appointed to manage all Air Reserve Training, and in June 2004 also assumed responsibility for the coordination and implementation of Professional Development for the Air Force.  In June of 2005 he was sent on a tasking for six months to Southwest Asia as part of Operation Athena, and in September 2007 he was transferred to 17 Wing as an assistant to the Wing Administration Officer, a position he held until his retirement on October 1st 2009.

Ian has been married to his wife Rene for over 50 years and they have two children and four grandchildren. They moved back to Powell River on retirement and in the fall of 2015, Ian became the President of the Powell River Healthcare Auxiliary, for a two-year term. In 2021 he agreed to step up as the President for a one-year term.

Ian’s other volunteer positions include President of the Manitoba/Northwestern Division of The Navy League of Canada and a Term as the Division Presidents Rep on the National Council of The Navy League of Canada.

Allana Ferro

Director of Finance

Allana joined the Trail Hospital Auxiliary 20 years ago as Secretary and to help with public relations, and she is currently in her fourth year as President. Her family and community involvement are a major part of who she is. With 48 years of married life, two daughters with spouses, and five grandchildren, life is never dull. Allana’s professional career includes employment as an LPN to help support her husband through university, working as a travel consultant, and spending 28 years as a Municipal Senior Administrator. Retirement allowed Allana to devote more time to her volunteering, which has included various positions in the Trail Skating Club and with the BC/Yukon section of Skate Canada. At present, she continues as Treasurer of the Kootenay Region and as a Level 2 Data Specialist. The Catholic Women’s League, Sisters of Colombo, and the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital & Health Foundation, of which she is Past President, are also cherished parts of her life as a volunteer. Allana’s energy, knowledge, and love of people and healthcare make her an asset to the BCAHA Board.

Lynda Hudon

Secretary

Lynda Hudon is a volunteer for both the Richmond and Delta Hospital Auxiliary Thrift shop. The past six years, she has worked as a cashier and as the person responsible for packaging and pricing all the toys, puzzles and games that have come in.

Lynda was born and raised in Sorel, Quebec and is fluent in English and French. Lynda worked at the “Formula One Grand Prix of Canada” for almost 20 years, where she was Vice President, President, and Past President of the workers club. Lynda prepared and ensembled their training manuals, as well as at the event, she set up the conference room and registered the 200 workers, she was also responsible for organizing their annual banquet.

Along with her volunteer work, Lynda has over 30 years of experience in the workforce specializing in retail management and secretarial work, she is a  very organized, motivated energetic, hardworking and reliable person, and is passionate about Auxiliary work because availing others and serving her community align with her core values.

In her spare time, Lynda enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her husband. Lynda has 3 daughters, and enjoys exploring British Columbia scenery with her family and their family dog 9-year old Golden Retriever named Brandy.

Cheryl Fry

Director of Communications

Cheryl lives in Revelstoke and has been a member of the Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary Society since 2008. Starting as Secretary, she is now the Past President. She created the current website and Facebook page for the Revelstoke Auxiliary and she also serves on the Membership, Sunshine, and Wish List committees. For 16 years, Cheryl has volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society, coordinating many fundraising initiatives such as the Relay For Life, the Daffodil Campaign and Slopes for Hope. Cheryl is a people person and is always eager to learn new skills. She enjoys a variety of activities including interior decorating, scrapbooking and spending time with her husband, two children and four grandchildren. As BCAHA Secretary, Cheryl brings valuable experience to the Board and she looks forward to sharing her skills to help maintain the best healthcare possible for all our communities.

meet our Leadership

Board of Directors, Executive Members

Area Directors

Past President ~ Marge Anderson

Nadi Bottomley

Vancouver Island Area, Director

Nadi has been a very active volunteer with her two Healthcare Auxiliaries, the Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary (45 years) and Chemainus Healthcare Auxiliary (15 years). Nadi has been involved in the candy striper program, Gift shop convenor, Thrift shop cashier and receiving, welcomed new residents into the Extended care with “Goody Baskets”, worked in the memorial gardens, served as secretary, public relations, 1st, and 2nd Vice President for the Auxiliaries.

Nadi also has volunteered outside the Auxiliary in her community as 1st Vice and President of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, founding member of the Nursery School in Ladysmith, secretary for the Saltair Parks Commission, volunteered with Brownies and Cubs, just to name a few as there are too many to mention.

Other than her volunteering, Nadi has been married to her husband Paul of 57 years; they have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Nadi’s other interests are Quilting, reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Yvonne Chard

Lower Mainland Area Director

Yvonne moved from Australia after she married a Canadian, Yvonne and Sandy were married for 57 years they had three children and 6 young grandchildren who are in Ontario and California.

Yvonne taught ESL and was a LINC/ELSA program manager for many years in Delta school district. In 2000 Yvonne received a citation from the Canadian Immigration for her work with Immigrants, Yvonne had her retirement and her start as president of the Delta Hospital Auxiliary happened in the same week.  Yvonne first joined the Auxiliary in 2000 in the Ladner Thrift shop, mainly working with electrical items and watch testing in the back.

Yvonne is still active on various Boards in her Community, for many years she was a leader on the BC Adult Education Association board.  Yvonne loves meeting people, travelling, computers, and taking photographs.  Yvonne looks forward to working with other Auxiliaries as a wonderful opportunity for sharing and growth.

Heather Kennedy

Kootenay Boundary Area, Director

 Heather grew up on the prairies, she graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc in Textiles. In 1980, Heather moved to Vancouver and worked in retail, in 1986 returned to UBC and received a teaching certificate in primary education. Heather taught in Vancouver and Rossland.

 Heather joined the Rossland Health Care Auxiliary in 1997, she served as secretary of the auxiliary and is currently completing her term as president. Heather is a member of Trail and Area Hospice, she takes part in both the friendly visitor program and end of life. Heather is President of the Rossland Discussion Club and is an active Member of Trail United Church.

 Heather helped to organize the cancer support group and continues to plan an annual Cancer Survivor Tea while continuing her chemotherapy. In her free time she loves to read, garden, sew and knit.

Amanada Laranjo

Okanagan Mainline Area, Director

Amanda grew up in Williams Lake, with her parents and younger brother, and was a competitive figure skater and completed her Canadian Cord through Girl Guides.

Amanda later moved to North Vancouver to attend Simon Fraser University. It was there that she met her husband of over 30 years, Carlos. During that time, Amanda also discovered her passion for working with individuals with diverse needs.  After graduation, she worked for the Ministry of Children and Families as a counsellor, and later for ICBC. She managed a vocational program for people living with intellectual disabilities as well as worked at various other associations that supported individuals living with diversabilities.

Amanda and Carlos went on to have three children, Lucy, Maddy, and Zack. While the children were growing up, Amanda was a stay-at-home mom and remained active in her community by volunteering at her children’s schools, activities, and church.  Now that her children are adults, Amanda and her husband have retired and live on a small acreage just outside Vernon. When they’re not travelling, they enjoy the outdoors, hiking, skiing, gardening, and their newfound obsession with pickleball. They cherish time with their families, friends, and their extra-large dogs, as well as their involvement in their church.

Amanda has been a member of the Vernon Auxiliary for the past six years and is currently serving as the Membership Director on the board. She is excited to learn more about BCAHA and to meet and be involved with other Auxiliaries.

Joanne Bydal

Fraser Valley Area, Director

Joanne was born & raised in East Vancouver, she retired from Langara College after 32 years of service. 2011 Joanne joined the Mission Hospital Auxiliary and has been very busy ever since,

Joanne has 1 Son, 6 Grand Children, and 1 Great Grandson.

Joanne started volunteering with (TRIM), The Residence in Mission, our long-term care facility connected to Mission Memorial Hospital, accompanying and interacting with the Residents on bus trips, going for lunch or dinner, or just a scenic drive, then COVID hit and everything changed. Our first bus trip since then was August of 2022.

Joanne is looking forward to this new chapter in her life as Fraser Valley Area Director.

 

Fern Hansen

North Area, Director

Fern was born in Southern Ontario and was raised by wonderful parents on a small mixed farm with her siblings. After completing high school Fern was thrilled to join the work force and start her “real” life.

Fern married her husband Alex of 49 years in 1969 and moved to Dawson Creek B.C. in 1971 where they raised their 3 children, Mandy, Jason, and Quinton in a lovely little “hippy” farming community.

Later they moved into town to change professions, in the course of time Fern owned a seasonal greenhouse, a concession at a little town ski hill, then opened the Baby Store in the mall.

Fern retired from the baby store when she turned 69 and focused her time into volunteering, Fern had an instrumental role in setting up the Dawson Creek Recycling Association, the Farmers Market, and currently works at the Community Gardens Society and the Hospital Auxiliary as well as Fern spent 3 consecutive terms of 3 years on the Board of the Dawson Co-op of Federated Co-op (F.C.L). Fern greatly enjoys spending time with her fabulous grandchildren, Fern is looking forward to being the N.E Area Director and serving on the BCAHA Provincial Board.