Delta’s “Blue Army” can always use a little more help.
That’s the word from Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society president Cathy Bailey as the invaluable volunteer non-profit organization is slowly returning its operations to pre-COVID levels.
Wearing their iconic blue smocks, the society had more than 300 volunteers contributing 46,000 hours of their time in 2021 to ensure its various programs ran smoothly. Even with COVID limiting operations, $512,000 was donated to Delta Hospital for the purchase of priority equipment.
“Well, it's been very challenging to be honest. We did have to close one of our three thrift stores because of a lack of volunteers and then, of course, we had the fire (in late December 2020) that didn’t help either,” she said. “But people have become more comfortable with just what was going on in the communities and they have started to come back. Now the (thrift) stores are back up to regular hours and the three stores are all operating.
“The café and gift store have still been a bit of a challenge as only so many people are allowed in the hospital. Our revenues were definitely down because of all that but we’re still pretty proud of what we were able to donate.”
Delta Hospital Auxiliary also handed out $11,000 in bursaries to local students and run a variety of programs from within the hospital and beyond — all with the objective of providing care and comfort for Delta residents.
It is able to make such an immense impact thanks to its amazing volunteer force.
“People are so passionate about this auxiliary,” continued Bailey. “They start off by wanting to work and give back to the hospital or the community, and then they discover it's just a wonderful way to make friends. Also learn new skills and everything too. They wear those blue smocks with pride.”
Although most might relate the auxiliary to its operations in the hospital and Ladner Village, Bailey was quick to also point out the variety of other programs potential new volunteers might want to be a part of.
“We have a lovely group of volunteers called Pillow Pals and before COVID they would meet every week in the (hospital) cafe,” she said. “They would get material donated so they can create these comfort pillows. They donate them to people coming out of surgery. They're just lovely, colorful, cheerful pillows that helps people be more comfortable after their surgery.”
There is also assisting with recreational programs that are run out of Mountain View Manor at Delta Hospital.
No matter what skills volunteers want to provide, there is always a place for them.
“We have lots of places where we need people to work. We also have our communications unit, for instance where it’s communicating within our organization and also communicating out to the public,” added Bailey. “There are volunteer applications on our website or if you are interested in working at the thrift store you can get an application there.”
