Giving Back
Support for the Health Care CommunityWe Give Back
Over the years, the Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary has raised a substantial amount of money in order to support the many health care needs in our local area, and beyond.
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary typically donates around $200,000 annually to various health care organizations.
All the money raised by our Auxiliary comes directly from our community – either through their donations to the Thrift Shop – or through personal monetary donations.
CHCA is extremely thankful to everyone for their continued support, without which, many health care initiatives and programs would not happen, and important equipment would not be purchased.
Here’s how some of your dollars have helped over the last several years:
2022
- Chemainus Health Care Centre – $86,314
- Cowichan & District Hospital – $25,000
- Cowichan District Hospital Foundation – $25,000
- Nourish Cowichan – $20,000
- Children’s Health Foundation of Victoria – $20,000
- Victoria Hospitals Foundation – $20,000
Ongoing Donations
- Tour de Rock/Cops for Cancer – $10,000
- Cowichan Valley Hospice – $10,000
- Christmas Gifts for Long Term Care Residents – $3,700
- Providence Farms – $2,000
- Havest House Food Bank – $1,000
- Chemainus Valley Historical Society – $100
- Royal Canadian Legion wreath – $75
TOTAL – $223,189
2020
- Tour de Rock/Cops for Cancer – $10,000
- Chemainus Health Care Centre – equipment purchase and music therapy program
- Cowichan & District Hospital – equipment purchase
- B.C. Cancer Foundation – ongoing donation
- Wheels for Wellness – donation towards transportation cancer patients
2019
- Chemainus Health Care Centre – equipment purchased and music therapy program
- Cowichan & District Hospital – equipment purchased
- Cops for Cancer – ongoing donation
- Providence Farms – programs
- Cowichan Valley Hospice House Project
- Victoria Hospital Foundation – supporting children with mental health issues
- B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation – equipment
- Harvest House Foodbank – ongoing donation
- B.C. Cancer Foundation – ongoing donation
So Many Years of Service
Thank you to Thelma Simmons for her 50 years of tea service at the Chemainus Healthcare Centre
Service pins were presented in 2022 to these amazing, long-serving members:
- 50-year – Thelma Simmons
- 45-year – Hazel Maronite
- 35-year – Sally Urton
- 30-year – Dianna Bouthillier, Shirley Patterson
- 20-year – Grace Compton, Marie Hinchsliff, Myrna Roy, Carol Scott, Donna Simmonds, Margaret Wolff
- 15-year – Alice Bazuin, Susan Hart, Janet Mitchell, Nancy Southern, Alice Thomas, Fern Walker
- 10-year – Yvette Blanchard, Lucy Fry, Donna Ferguson, Russ McAvella, Mimi Zuyderduyn
Occasionally a little one has to make a trip to the Chemainus Urgent Care Centre. Whether sudden acute illness or an accident, it can be a scary time. To keep the child brave the Urgent Care staff may present them with a cuddle bear.
Made with love, clean & donated wool, and the gift of time, these squishy teddy bears are made to give hugs and comfort while the little ones are being treated. Those squishy little teddies are another way our volunteers give back to our community.
Knitters are always welcome to join our Beary Special team. Teddy bear pattern is supplied. Contact our Thrift Shop manager for further details.
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary has made some significant contributions over the past ten years such as:
- $520,000 to Vancouver Children’s Hospital
- $305,000 to the new Cowichan Hospice House
- $388,100 to the Chemainus Health Care Centre
- $335,425 to Cowichan & District Hospital
- $84,000 in Student Bursaries to graduation students who are pursuing a career in the health field
Local Employment
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is made up of over 150 volunteers which includes a 10 member volunteer executive committee. As our Thrift Shop expanded, there became a need for assistance with the retail operation, including marketing, visual displays, merchandising, as well as the maintenance and cleaning of our building, and commercial garbage and recycling endeavours.
Student Internship Program
In addition to the staff positions, we also have an excellent Student Internship Program, whereby local high school students will have an opportunity to earn a wage while they learn about a community centred retail business. This experience offers students a chance to develop their communication and organizational skills, while working alongside staff, volunteers and members of the public. Applications are available through Chemainus Secondary High School Guidance Department. Email: chss@sd79.bc.ca
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our own hands to make a difference.”
Nelson Mandela