Bethany Calgary Ladies Auxiliary Say Farewell

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010

Pictured above, members of the Bethany Calgary Ladies Auxiliary garther one more time in the Link Auditorium at Bethany Calgary during their Legacy Tea.

After 49 years of dedicated volunteer service, the Bethany Calgary Ladies Auxiliary decided to dissolve as a registered charity. The group of volunteers would now like to focus their efforts on helping out one-on-one with residents as much as they can.
 
In celebration of the Auxiliary’s contributions over the years, a Legacy Tea was held at the care centre on December 18. Many members of the Auxiliary, past and present were in attendance for the tea. A number of people spoke at the tea, including; Erna Maschki, Auxiliary President, Bob Osness, Bethany Care Society Board Member; Greer Black, President and CEO; Jean Morris, Vice President, Spirituality and Pastoral Care; and Health Miller, Administrator.
 
“It is appropriate at this legacy tea to reflect on the origins of the word ‘legacy’ which suggests: ‘a body of persons sent on a mission,’” said Greer Black. “The Ladies Auxiliary has been on a mission for 49 years – to enhance quality of life for residents at Bethany Calgary. They have been a wonderful gift.” 
  
“We often speak of Bethany’s legacy of caring, but seldom do we have the privilege to thank the individuals at the heart of this legacy,” said Bob Osness. “To the members of the Ladies Auxiliary here today, and also to those who are not able to be with us, I thank you on behalf of the Board of Trustees for you commitment and generosity of spirit.”
 
Since its inception in 1961, members of the Bethany Calgary Ladies Auxiliary has contributed in excess of 100,000 hours of service and they have raised many thousands of dollars to enhance resident comforts. Amongst many activities and projects, they also operated the tuck shop on level 3 and hosted staff appreciation afternoon teas.
 
Some of the fundraising contributions the Ladies Auxiliary have made include:
 - Televisions for common areas, and in 2004 they spent $7,100 on televisions.
 - In 2003, they donated $10,000 to the new Bethany bus fund.
 - They have donated funds to purchase various equipment and furniture over the years including:
 - $6,000 for bed alarms in 2001,
 - $7,500 on Broda chairs in 1999 and,
 - $10,000 to help create a palliative care room in 1996.
 - From 1993-1995 they donated $57,000 for resident comforts for items such as building renovations, patio furniture and handi-bus tickets.
 
One by one, and as a group for five decades, the Bethany Calgary Ladies Auxiliary has made a significant difference in resident quality of life. From all of us at Bethany Calgary, we thank you for your contributions over the years, you will be missed.