Cowichan Lodge Auxiliary

Goals

The primary purpose of the Auxiliary is to enhance the comfort and well being of the residents, by providing ongoing services at the Lodge, and through the purchase of needed equipment.  In order to do this   We sponsor fund raising events to fund these purchases and we are directly involved in many activities in with and for the residents.

The first meeting of the Auxiliary was held on November 27, 1980 at the North Cowichan Office. Two of our present members were there.   The official opening of the Lodge took place on June 29, 1981.  We have been there from the beginning !

Fund Raising

• Our fund raising events include
• a garage sale in May,
• participating in the Cowichan District Hospital Bazaar held in October,
• Mini Sales in house throughout the year. 
• The Auxiliary is a member in the Duncan Dabbers Bingo Society and must volunteer a specified number of hours at the Bingo Hall for the share of the profits. 
• The Auxiliary operates a Gift Shop in the Lodge for two hours five days a week.  Everyone enjoys shopping and this is a favourite place for many of the residents.

Achievements

The following are some of the items that we have been able to provide through our fund raising:

• a wheelchair bus
• electric wheelchairs
• 4 Special Bathtubs for the bathing areas
• 10 Thera-Rest mattresses and beds to prevent skin break down
• 2 blanket warmers
• special doors for the Alzheimer's unit
• electronic front entrance doors
• a large ice machine
• an organ, piano
• a number of televisions with cabinets, VCR/DVD players
• drapes and bedspreads for all rooms
• outdoor awnings and furniture
• dining room chairs & new lounge furniture, reupholstering of furniture
• we have built a kitchen for the residents to use and have small breakfast and dinner meals with family or friends,
• we have purchased stoves, microwaves
• garden equipment for our Volunteer Gardeners program
• installation of gas fireplace in common area

... and many more items and services costing over $420, 000.

 Presently we have on order a number of other items:

• new dining room chairs for the Daycare Program,
• more special wheelchairs and beds along 

...unfortunately, these items are on hold while we wait for VIHA to make a final decision on the future of the Lodge.

 Services

The caring gift of our time has made a world of difference in so many lives over the years, especially to those with no family nearby and those feeling lonely and needing a friend.   We are proud to support the following activities which contribute to the entertainment, comfort and well being of the Lodge residents:

• monthly teas with home baking provided by the members
• special occasion teas
• assistance with crafts & assisting with games
• reading programs
• social visits
• driving residents to appointments or to do shopping
• helping cook and serve special breakfasts and lunches
• taking walks in the beautiful gardens or any activity where we are able to help the activity staff
• arranging for birthday cards to be sent to each resident
• providing a welcome gift for each new resident
• Christmas stockings and bags are filled and delivered to each resident

For the past 27 years the Auxiliary members have proudly contributed over 88,100 volunteer hours to enhance the comfort and well being of those living and working at Cowichan Lodge. 

Submitted by :

Joan Hayden-Luck

President, Cowichan Lodge Auxiliary