The Carman Health Auxiliary continued its long tradition of community service in 2025, contributing equipment, patient comforts and financial support to the Carman Memorial Hospital while logging hundreds of volunteer hours.
Carman Memorial Hospital staff Madie Gylywoychuk-Winkler, Laureen Kippen, Albert Castro, Rachel Groo and Chantal Banman with Health Auxiliary representatives Kathie Findlay and Darlene Pritchard with the purchasing a sit-to-stand lift
According to the group’s annual report submitted by secretary Betty Park, the auxiliary held eight regular meetings during the year with a membership of 16 and an average attendance of 12. Six associate members also support the organization, along with a group membership from the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Members recorded a total of 785 volunteer hours.
The current executive includes president Kathie Findlay, past president Della Heaman, vice-presidents Marie MacLean and Dorothy Peters, treasurer Darlene Pritchard and secretary Betty Park. Meetings continue to be held at the hospital on the third Tuesday of each month, and new members are welcome.
The auxiliary hosted its annual spring tea May 10 at the Carman United Church and a fall tea Oct. 25 at the Legion Auxiliary Hall, both of which organizers described as successful.
Members also participated in the Carman Fair Parade, organizing a float with help from Swains’ and MacLeans’ for use of a garage, truck and trailer.
Raffle ticket sales remain the group’s main fundraiser. Tickets were sold at the Co-op, the August farmers’ market, at teas and individually, with the auxiliary thanking the Co-op for providing selling space.
Additional support came from community donations made in memory of loved ones. The Carman MCC Store contributed $129.55 from its October tip jar and donated $1,500 in honour of its 50th anniversary.
The auxiliary was also represented at Healthy Communities and stakeholder meetings throughout the year.
Funds raised help purchase equipment and supplies for the hospital.
In March, an emergency room overhead light was installed at a cost of $7,222.53. The group also purchased a sit-to-stand lift with slings for $8,521.81, designed to help patients move safely from sitting to standing while supporting strength, mobility and independence.
The auxiliary has also committed funds toward a STARS education day for staff and additional patient-care items including cups, utensils, stockings and pager call bells.
For 2026, the auxiliary’s fundraising goal is $8,500 for a blanket warmer for the emergency room.
Two bursaries totalling $1,000 were awarded to students entering health-care fields.
Long-standing traditions continued as well. A baby quilt was presented to the community’s New Year’s baby through the public health nurse, and carnations were delivered to each inpatient to brighten their stay.
A new Facebook page was also launched by M. Gylywoychuk to help share updates with the community.
“We look forward to continuing for another year and are grateful for the community support we receive,” the report noted.
