President’s Message

Mar 12, 2021 | President's Message, Featured

As we begin another year, the pandemic and vaccine dominates the news every day and all day long.  The news media is reporting on “ Covid-19 fatigue”.  I am not sure it helps to be constantly reminded of the strain we are all under but I also realize that our mental health is so important and that we need to be aware of depression setting in.

Numerous studies have shown how volunteering is good for our mental and physical wellbeing.  Many of us have been able to get back into the routine of volunteering but many of us have not.  I know that it is easier said than done “Do not give up hope” but there is a light at the end of our tunnel and one advantage of Auxiliary volunteers is that we are high up on the list for the vaccine when it becomes available.

I have doing some research and reading about the Spanish Flu and how some of current member Auxiliaries were active in their communities during this pandemic.  I found this from the history of the Alberni Auxiliary to the West Coast Hospital and I want to share it with you.

“For many years a Hospital Shower helped to stock the linen shelves and pantry, but was discontinued during the war years, as was the annual ball.  While the war years were hard on the Auxiliary, the depression hit even harder. At one annual meeting, only 6 discouraged members appeared, and no one was willing to take office.  After much discussion it was decided to disband and the meeting was adjourned. But each member went away with a guilty conscience, and after standing on the sidewalk discussing the situation, it was decided they must carry on. They went back into the hall and re-elected the old officers.  A very successful year followed.”

The Auxiliary in Alberni is still going, thanks to six dedicated members who would not give up or given in, a lesson for all of us that if we dig down we can find the strength and enthusiasm to continue on.

Diane Thornton,
President

 

 

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