May 10 is Health Care Auxiliaries Day in British Columbia, a time to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers supporting patient care across the province. The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary invites the community to celebrate its dedicated members who raise funds and provide essential services to enhance regional health care.
On Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents are invited to visit the Chemainus Thrift Shop parking lot at 9867 Maple St. Light refreshments will be served and visitors can learn more about the many ways the Auxiliary supports local health and well-being.
While the Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is best known for its bustling thrift shop in Old Town, its contributions extend far beyond retail. Volunteers provide tea service and support the gift shop at the Chemainus Health Care Centre, coordinate Meals on Wheels, and award bursaries to local students entering health-related fields.
In 2023, the Auxiliary raised a record $371,000 to support local, regional and provincial health initiatives. Previous donations made by the Chemainus organization have included more than $100,000 towards a sunroom at Cowichan District Hospital, major contributions to the new hospital project and funding for medical equipment that improves medication safety and tracking.
“Our raison d’être is to support the comfort and care of residents in medical health facilities in the Chemainus Valley,” said Susan Beaubier of the Auxiliary. “But we also recognize that health goes beyond the institutions.”
In recent years, support has extended to groups such as Nourish Cowichan, Providence Farm, Harvest House and children’s hospitals in Victoria and Vancouver.
The thrift shop has also become a cultural hub, offering affordable goods and meaningful volunteer and employment opportunities, particularly for seniors and students. The Auxiliary promotes sustainability by keeping items out of the landfill and making thrifting a fun, accessible and community-focused experience.
In a press release, the Auxiliary thanked its volunteers and the community “for their enthusiastic and dedicated support and commitment to our Thrift Shop.”
All are welcome to attend the May 10 celebration and help honour the volunteers who contribute thousands of hours each year and whose efforts raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for health care in Chemainus and beyond.
