In a Port Coquitlam strip mall, at the main intersection of Lougheed Highway and Shaughnessy Street, volunteers at a thrift store ready for a big celebration next month.
It’s been five years since the Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary opened their shop and, on March 3, they’re rewarding customers with a blow-out sale and giving thanks to the people who help to run it.
The small thrift store — with its donated clothes, jewellery, CDs and other household items — sees about 75 shoppers a day and brings in a steady flow of revenue for the auxiliary, which in turn spends it on much-needed equipment at the Port Moody hospital.
On average, the auxiliary raises $70,000 a year through its thrift store as well as its hospital gift shop, vendor program, used book shelf and popular weekend coffee kiosk, to name a few.
Besides the hospital gear, it also spends its money on a musical therapy program at Eagle Ridge Manor, a bursary for a graduating student pursuing healthcare and a trauma bear program to comfort kids at Eagle Ridge Hospital (ERH).
Its wish list never interferes with the hospital foundation’s, said auxiliary president Velda Boyle, who’s been at the helm for the past two years, “but we always talk with each other about what’s needed for the future and how we can help the patients,” she said.
And, like the foundation’s, its list is always full.
Around Christmas of 2016, the 111-member auxiliary presented the hospital with six new crash carts (trolleys with trays used to transport medication and supplies to patients) to match the wheeled carts at other Lower Mainland hospitals; the frequency of on-call nurses prompted the auxiliary to buy uniform carts, Boyle said.
Last November, the auxiliary also pledged nearly $39,000 worth of purchases for the surgical daycare (iPads); diabetic clinic (blood pressure machine, food scale, patient scale and foot exam stool); Eagle Ridge Manor (three specialized mattresses); as well as for the rehab; emergency room; and ambulatory care.
Since forming in 1976, the ERH auxiliary has brought in more than $1.2 million for ERH, said Boyle, a former Port Moody resident and retired school teacher who joined 42 years ago after attending an auxiliary benefit with fashion historian Ivan Sayers.
As for its thrift store, Boyle said the auxiliary is always looking for help to sort and sell the donated wares. High school students are especially welcome on the weekends for a four-hour shift — and they can use the experience for school credit.
“Why volunteer? For all the good reasons,” Boyle said. “You can help out in your community and find like-minded friends. And many people like to give back because the hospital may have helped them, their friends or family through some tough times.”
• To volunteer at the Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary thrift store (2811B Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam), call 604-585-378.
