Congratulations to our 2022 Outstanding Community Partner, the Auxiliaries for Pasqua & Regina General Hospitals!
The dedicated women and men who donate their time and energy through the Hospital Auxiliaries at both Pasqua and Regina General Hospitals could realistically be considered the lifeblood of our hospitals. For more than 40 years, members of the Auxiliaries have been committed to the sole purpose of raising funds for our hospitals, helping medical teams deliver excellent care, and we couldn’t be more honoured to recognize them as the recipients of the 2022 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Community Partner Award sponsored by SaskMilk.
“There is no group of volunteers more deserving of recognition than the members of our Auxiliaries in Regina,” said Dino Sophocleous, President & CEO, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “For decades they have shown unwavering devotion and dedication in their efforts to support the healthcare of our community. They have our eternal gratitude and we are honored to recommend them for this award.”
“Fundraising has been fundamental to the purpose of our organization and it’s directly connected to helping meet the needs of people who have accessed the health services provided at the General Hospital,” said Norma Rohatyn, volunteer president of the Regina General Hospital Auxiliary. “The organization and implementation of the many projects were a testament of the commitment our members had to fundraising for a purpose. We are all humbled by the recognition of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation and their nomination of the Auxiliary for our fundraising.”
Members of the Auxiliaries are an important part of a bigger system in health care. Patients and visitors don’t have to go far to see the work of these dedicated volunteers as the Auxiliary gift shops are located near the main entrances, welcoming everyone who enters the facilities. The volunteers routinely donate countless hours to raise funds for Hospitals of Regina Foundation to invest in our hospitals and, in addition to the gift shops, members collect cans and bottles in the hospitals for recycling, provide a used book cart for patients, and hold used book sales, craft sales, and raffles.
Their commitment to helping our community has raised a combined $8.7 million in support of new equipment and technology, including wheelchairs, vital sign monitors, and electric beds. Their dedication and generosity has improved the lives of patients and helped our hospitals provide the best care possible for many decades.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be a part of an organization that selflessly works to help improve the time that people spend at the Pasqua Hospital as patients, visitors, or staff,” said Betty Knapp, volunteer president at the Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary. “All the people that work together to make this happen are volunteers. There is not one paid position anywhere in our organization. All those working give freely of their time and enjoy helping to raise funds or enhance the comfort for all who use or work at the hospital.”
Auxiliary members, past and present, have devoted their time and efforts to supporting the many people in need. Their commitment to quality health care and patient comfort truly demonstrates the philanthropic spirit of Saskatchewan.