I hope most of our members haven’t faced the threat of forest fires or evacuation orders this summer. For those who have not, the summer has been mostly clear and sunny. Keeping my garden well watered was my largest task! That and keeping my fridge well stocked to host numerous friends and family wanting to visit and experience life on my beautiful Sunshine Coast.
I was able to fit in a few auxiliary visits in June. Your Executive hosted Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary right in their own backyard. They were full of enthusiasm for their upcoming OMA AGM in October. I look forward to attending. As you may recall, P. Pres. Diane Thornton and I began our ‘Outreach’ programme way back in June 2022. I have not quite completed all 63 of our wonderful member groups, however, I am close. Following our meetings in Vernon, OMA Area Director, Amanda Laranjo and I headed towards Revelstoke. After a good visit there, we doubled back for a visit to Salmon Arm. I have nothing but praise for the fine efforts that we were shown. Some may have more resources at hand than others, but everyone is equally enthusiastic about their successes! After saying goodbye to Amanda, I headed back west towards Kamloops, then a sharp right turn north up to Clearwater. Beautiful country, with great auxiliary members. Hospitality in spades!
I’m not quite ready to stay home while there is a succession of upcoming AGMs to attend and more members to connect with in September & October. The message remains the same, either we keep moving ahead, or we fall behind! It was meant very seriously at the April Conference (Kamloops) when we all pledged to “Never, ever say, we always do it this way!” Granted, easier said than done, but something for all of us to strive for.
In closing, I’d like to add my further congratulations to the many amazing Bursary winners who have graced our recent BCAHA Facebook pages. We also love hearing back from those who have already benefitted, as to how they are continuing to move forward. Providing financial support to those in your community who are following their dreams to pursue careers in healthcare-related fields is immensely rewarding!
Volunteers are remarkable people!
Carole J. Murray
BCAHA President
