BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF – Known locally for their management of The PennyWise Shoppe and Hospital Coffee Kiosk as well as many other events and activities throughout the community, the Centre Grey Hospital Auxiliary (CGHA) are celebrating 75 years.

“Our records show that your organization has donated over $800,000 since 1998,” said Faye Harrison, Board Chair of Centre Grey Health Services Foundation (CGHSF), as she addressed Auxiliary members at a luncheon held for the group on February 21. To honour their incredible contributions to the Foundation, CGHSF have named the Palliative Care room in their honour and unveiled a plaque to be displayed at the hospital.

“Back in 1998 when the Foundation was first formed, it was the generosity of this Auxiliary that financially helped us find our feet,” explained Harrison, who added, “Since then we have leaned on the Auxiliary for Board members, envelope stuffing days, ticket sales, advertising, volunteers for every event; and to be our eyes, ears and voice in the community.  These are things that go way beyond a donation figure.”

At a loss to come up with a way to adequately express her gratitude to the Auxiliary for their volunteering efforts, Harrison relented, “I don’t think we can… what we can do is honour (CGHA) with this plaque.”

For Darlene Lamberti, it was an opportunity long overdue. “It was so nice to spend time with the people that are so instrumental to this organization. With everyone’s days being so busy, I seldom get a chance to have a leisurely chat with the Auxiliary members,” she said. “It was a great event.”

Members of the Centre Grey Hospital Auxiliary pose with the new sign to be hung in the Palliative Care Room of Centre Grey Hospital.