A fundraising organization dedicated to supporting Jasper’s hospital since 1929 is saying farewell to the community.
Avice Heckly was president of the Jasper Hospital Auxiliary for more than 20 years and had been with the group since the 1980s.
“I really needed to do something besides work, and I volunteered for a lot of things over the years,” she said. “I was a nurse, so it seemed to be the natural thing to go for.”
A group of women originally formed the Jasper Hospital Auxiliary to provide additional comfort items for hospital patients, seniors and the young.
“When it started, it was for the comfort of the patients,” Heckly said. “The Sisters of Charity ran the hospital then … and the hospital auxiliary ladies raise money in various ways over the years.”
Darlene Skehill, who was the treasurer for the auxiliary from 2013 to 2021 and then a board member for the past three years, first heard about the auxiliary when she started working at the Seton – Jasper Healthcare Centre in administration.
“My manager let me know that the auxiliary was in desperate need of a treasurer, so I attended a couple of meetings and was very inspired by their mandate and the things that they do,” she said.
Skehill noted their efforts provided enhancements beyond what the provincial government would fund for patient care and comfort as well as for seniors and new mothers.
“It was very rewarding to see how much those enhancements did improve quality of life for those who were ill or aged,” she said.
Funds were initially raised from items knitted or sewn from home. As time went by, the group also raised funds for the hospital itself and to build a new one.
The auxiliary eventually hosted larger fundraisers such as gala balls at Jasper Park Lodge, numerous bake sales and boot sales. One of its signature fundraisers was hosting teas, such as for Valentine’s Day.
Skehill estimated they provided six to eight teas, activities or entertainment for special occasions each year. Their regular meetings typically took place in a hospital meeting room, but one of the ladies would occasionally host tea at their house.
The auxiliary provided a range of items for patients and equipment for the hospital – furniture breast pumps and bili blankets for newborns. They also gave electronic devices to patients and designated assisted living residences to communicate with families.
Skehill noted they contributed to the ultrasound machine, which was a major community effort.
The auxiliary decided to fold largely due to the difficulty over the years with recruiting new members and held its closing meeting and lunch on Oct. 17.
The group plans to distribute $5,000 of its current funds toward a new generator at Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge. The remaining $10,000 will go to the Jasper Healthcare Foundation, an organization with the same mandate as the Auxiliary.
Skehill emphasized how their president, Heckly, had been “the most inspiring leader that kept us going way longer than we probably would have when I came on board.”
“She was the president, the secretary and the treasurer, and at that point, I think she was 83 years old and still just giving everything she possibly could to not only keep our organization going but to inspire us to be creative and take a different step, to try new things, and [she] was very, very motivated,” she added.
The auxiliary thanked those who supported their mandate, whether it was through the donation and purchase of craft items, the purchase of quilt raffle tickets or many other forms of support.
