NEWS RELEASE
RVH AUXILIARY
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Every year, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) Auxiliary honours select, deserving members at an annual Auxiliary Awards celebration.
At this year’s event Cathy Caldwell was presented with the group’s highest honour - the Award of Distinction. Caldwell, currently a volunteer in Mental Health Crisis Services, has devoted more than 8,500 hours of service to RVH.
Over the course of her volunteer career at RVH, Caldwell has shared her knowledge and skill with the Medical Administration department, the Integrated Stroke Unit, the RVH Disability Committee and hospital accreditation, as well as played important roles in the Auxiliary’s annual bazaar and Tag Days.
“Cathy has dedicated her life to RVH as both a registered nurse and later, as a volunteer of more than 25 years,” says Janice Williams, president, RVH Auxiliary. “The Award of Distinction is our highest honour to acknowledge and recognize the significant contributions of an Auxiliary member who is already a Life Member. We only give it out as deemed appropriate and Cathy is as deserving a recipient as we’ve ever had.”
At Monday’s event, Years of Service pins and plaques were presented to Norma Stevenson for 55 years of service; Doris Allen, Sheila Rothwell and Mary Rose Stone for 30 years of service; and Molly Couse, Barbara Henderson, Kathy Parliament, Karen Raven, Marian Stubbings and Terry Wilding for 25 years of service.
Additionally, Peggy Bazin, Karen Carbone, Penny Dibbley, Beryl Hamilton-Piercy and Pat Ummels were awarded Auxiliary Life Memberships. Agnes Cah, Nancy Partridge, Susan Roehner, Bruce Steinmiller, Patricia Walker, Barbara Wilson and Betty Wilson were presented with Outstanding Service Award pins.
Award of Merit pins were given to Ian Darling, Gail Dixon, Dan Fyshe, Gary Hornbrook, Jodie Kilkenny, Kathy McAndless, Beverley Ornella, Cathi Thompson and John Underhill.
“At RVH we have one of the largest and most dedicated Auxiliaries in the country,” says Janice Skot, president and CEO. “Year after year, they tirelessly fundraise for new services and equipment at RVH and we couldn’t be more thankful for their dedication and belief in RVH. Today is our chance to thank our Auxiliary members for the mark they leave on every square foot of this health centre. Simply put, we couldn’t do what we do without their invaluable contributions.”
Volunteers at RVH provide an extra set of hands in 75 different areas of the health centre, and through the dedicated efforts of the Auxiliary, raise funds to support equipment purchases and patient care.
The RVH Auxiliary is currently working to fulfill a $2 million pledge in support of advanced cardiac care and child and youth mental health services at RVH.
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