The Port Hardy Hospital Auxiliary has been busy this year, helping the hospital, grads, and soon, the fire department.
Louise Dugas with the auxiliary says despite being small, they try to have a big impact.
“We’ve been very active and I’m amazed at the volunteer people and I’m amazed at the volunteer people in this town,” she says. “The ladies and men that work in our auxiliary are amazing.”
She says there are currently 44 members in the auxiliary who fundraise through the thrift store and other volunteer activities. The auxiliary has been around since 1962, focusing on helping residents of the North Island access health care services and equipment without having to travel. With ongoing struggles to attract enough doctors and staff to the North Island, causing hospital closures and other impacts, she says it’s more important than ever.
Recently they helped the hospital in Port Hardy buy new blood bank fridges and bladder scanners, and the Port McNeill hospital buy a fetal heart monitor. The equipment will be especially helpful for seniors and pregnant women to get better health care and more accurate diagnoses without having to travel as much for medical appointments.
She says the auxiliary also contributed two $3,000 scholarships for North Island grads, including one aimed at youth who help volunteer. She says youth are the future of the auxiliary and hopes to see more join to bolster the ranks.
The auxiliary is now helping the Port Hardy fire department buy a sea can to be used for training, so firefighters don’t have to travel out of community as often. She says when more training can be done locally, firefighters can stay in the community, helping keep everyone safer.
