More than 30 well wishers were on hand at the Treasure Shop last week as the Castlegar and District Hospital Auxiliary Society honoured long-time volunteer Helen Clay.
Clay is retiring after 43 years with the auxiliary to move to Chase to be near her daughters.
Shirley Wanjoff, president of the auxiliary, presented Clay with a lovely bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her service. After the ceremony, Clay was treated to lunch at the Greek Oven with her friends and colleagues from the auxiliary.
“Everyone has been so good and there's so many of the members both old and new here.
“It's been wonderful to get together. It's been half my life that I've been with the hospital auxiliary," said Clay. "It's just the most pleasant memories that I will always have with dear friends. Thanks so much to everyone."
Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff was also in attendance at the ceremony and he presented Clay with a city pin and a certificate of appreciation.
"When you get a resident that's dedicated 43 years to volunteering it's absolutely spectacular — the lady's 94 years old," the mayor said.
"From a community standpoint, volunteers are a huge addition to the community, but this lady's gone well beyond," he added.
"I've known this lady all my life. It's just a privilege to see what she's done in the community. It's just the epitome of a volunteer when you look at it — being there everyday. Everything anyone asked her to do, Helen would say, 'yeah I can do that.' It's absolutely superb to see that people are dedicated to the community."
The Treasure Shop sells a variety of clothing and other items, which it receives by donation.
The money raised goes towards important items for the community such as medical equipment for the Castlegar and District Health Centre and Talarico Place.
The auxiliary also gives money to help the food bank and provides bursaries for local students.