About Healthcare Auxiliaries
Who We Are?
The BCAHA is incorporated as a society in British Columbia and is a registered Canadian charity. BCAHA is operated by a volunteer board of directors supported by a part time Executive Director.The association was established in 1945 to promote education, leadership, communication, standards of performance and the opportunity to exchange information and ideas amongst the membership. Each year the Province of British Columbia proclaims May 10 as Auxiliary Day in B.C, in recognition of the achievement of our members. Our association is also proud to work under the distinguished patronage of The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
Currently there are 87 member auxiliaries in BC representing 6700 adult volunteers and 750 youth volunteers. The strength of these groups is based upon community spirit and philanthropy and for decades we have been there “every step of the way” in providing care and comfort. Their work goes from operating hospital gift shops, delivering flowers and books to patients, providing directions to visitors, being a visitor to someone who is alone and hosting events for seniors in care. In addition to this, auxiliaries raise funds through events and thrift stores. In year (2018), member Auxiliaries devoted more than 1,235,634 volunteer hours and donated more than $9,946,000 to purchase much-needed healthcare equipment at the local level, and to enhance the care and comfort of patients and their families.
What Do We Do?
We keep our members knowledgeable about issues that will affect their work with timely information and resource material. Our website and regular newsletter enhance this proactive communication and promote the exchange of ideas between auxiliaries. We host provincial and regional conferences annually and a conference for youth every two years. These conferences offer information and education on topics of interest and value to the work of auxiliaries. The networking that happens at all of these well attended events is very worthwhile. Our directors have all held leadership positions within an auxiliary so there is always help and support to those at the local level.
How Can You Support Our Work?
The BCAHA is incorporated as a society in British Columbia and is a registered Canadian charity. BCAHA is operated by a volunteer board of directors supported by a part time Executive Director.The association was established in 1945 to promote education, leadership, communication, standards of performance and the opportunity to exchange information and ideas amongst the membership. Each year the Province of British Columbia proclaims May 10 as Auxiliary Day in B.C, in recognition of the achievement of our members. Our association is also proud to work under the distinguished patronage of The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
Currently there are 87 member auxiliaries in BC representing 6700 adult volunteers and 750 youth volunteers. The strength of these groups is based upon community spirit and philanthropy and for decades we have been there “every step of the way” in providing care and comfort. Their work goes from operating hospital gift shops, delivering flowers and books to patients, providing directions to visitors, being a visitor to someone who is alone and hosting events for seniors in care. In addition to this, auxiliaries raise funds through events and thrift stores. In year (2018), member Auxiliaries devoted more than 1,235,634 volunteer hours and donated more than $9,946,000 to purchase much-needed healthcare equipment at the local level, and to enhance the care and comfort of patients and their families.
What Do We Do?
We keep our members knowledgeable about issues that will affect their work with timely information and resource material. Our website and regular newsletter enhance this proactive communication and promote the exchange of ideas between auxiliaries. We host provincial and regional conferences annually and a conference for youth every two years. These conferences offer information and education on topics of interest and value to the work of auxiliaries. The networking that happens at all of these well attended events is very worthwhile. Our directors have all held leadership positions within an auxiliary so there is always help and support to those at the local level.
How Can You Support Our Work?
- Become a volunteer member of a hospital or health care auxiliary in your area.
- Make a donation to BCAHA to help us continue our work.
- And next time you see an auxiliary volunteer in your hospital or in a local care facility ..take a moment to say “thanks” for all they do to advance the care and comfort of those in need.
(reprinted from the B.C. Assoc. Of Health Care Auxiliaries website: http://www.bchealthcareaux.org/)
