While the term “health auxiliary” may not be familiar to everyone, most residents of Flin Flon and area have benefited from the work of health auxiliary volunteers at some point.
One hundred and thirteen volunteers arrived in Flin Flon last weekend, as members of the Manitoba Health Auxiliary Association drove from communities across Manitoba to attend the organization’s 68th annual conference. The conference was held at the Creighton Community Hall on Friday, Sept. 19.
The Manitoba Health Auxiliaries Association (MHAA), a volunteer organization formed in 1946, today includes 34 member auxiliaries. These groups of volunteers provide support programs at community hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities.
Many auxiliary members are former health workers who recognize there are gaps to fill in patient care; others enjoy the opportunities for friendship and community service that a health auxiliary provides.
Each year, health auxiliary members attend the MHAA conference to reconnect with old friends while sharing ideas, experiences and best practices to improve their ongoing service to patients.
This year’s conference was co-hosted by four northern health auxiliaries: Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Thompson and The Pas.
“The four groups worked together so well,” said Sheila Sproxton, conference chair and president of the Flin Flon Health Auxiliary. “Some made welcome bags and cushions, others donated items for a special draw, and we all took turns all weekend, making sure every task was completed.”
The conference opened with a welcome reception on Friday night. Members of the MHAA executive board addressed attendees, and Helga Bryant, CEO of the Northern Health Region, shared some kind words with the volunteers.
“I was a registered nurse, and I’ve watched the impact you’ve had on patients through my entire career,” Bryant said. “Thank you so much for what you do every day.”
The weekend’s activities were held at the Creighton Community Hall, and included a parade of banners led by bagpiper Rod Walker, presentations by Shelley Rhyno, Alex McGilvery and Karen Leifso, and an annual general meeting.
In recognition of their hard work, MHAA members were treated to a banquet Saturday night with entertainment by local musicians C.C. Trubiak, Mark Kolt, Susan and Brent Lethbridge, Kim Jones, Anna Jardine and Kevin Imrie.
Sproxton noted that the live music was a highlight for conference-goers, which was fitting, since the theme of the conference was Volunteers Rock.
“The entertainment was wonderful…and they all loved Kevin Imrie – a number of [attendees] put his name in large print on the evaluation form. They could have taken him home!”
In addition to the four host communities, the conference was attended by MHAA members from Altona, Boissevain, Morden, Carman, Dauphin, Lac du Bonnet, MacGregor, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Pine Falls, Portage la Prairie, St. Paul, Ste Rose, Snow Lake, Steinbach, Swan River, Virden, White Cross, and Winnipeg. Next year’s conference will be held in Russell, Manitoba.
About the Flin Flon Health Auxiliary
The 42 members of the Flin Flon Health Auxiliary run a number of health-related initiatives in the community, including a hospital cart program.
Through this program, auxiliary members visit with patients, distribute free books and magazines, and sell treats at the Flin Flon General Hospital and the Flin Flon Personal Care Home.
Other projects include Meals on Wheels, annual tea parties for residents of local retirement homes and a bursary program for high school students.
New members are always welcome. Interested readers can contact Sheila Sproxton at
204-687-7602 for more details.
