Thursday was proclaimed Health-Care Auxiliary Day in British Columbia and local auxiliary volunteers and supporters gathered at Castlegar’s Treasure Shop to celebrate the occasion.
Mayor Lawrence Chernoff read out the official proclamation at the downtown store, which opened in 2007 on a piece of property donated by the city and now serves as the primary fundraising tool for the Castlegar and District Hospital Auxiliary Society.
Since it was formed in 1957, the auxiliary has raised more than $400,000 to support local health care through initiatives like the purchase of medical equipment, hospital renovations and support for long-term care facilities.
“It all goes back into the community,” auxiliary past president Nettie Stupnikoff said.
The Treasure Shop, located at 210 11th Ave., sells a variety of clothes and other items, which it receives by donation. The store is run by a group volunteers who do everything they can to raise funds for local health care.
They even make use of clothing and other material they receive through the store that is unsuitable for wearing, turning the material instead into rags and selling them to local businesses.
“We sold $612 worth of rags last week,” said Polly Chernoff, who has been volunteering with the auxiliary for 42 years.
Some of the more unique and valuable items that come through the Treasure Shop are sold through silent auction. The current selection includes everything from tea sets to classic toys to crystal dishes to antique cameras.
The items up for auction are on display in glass cases immediately to the right when you enter the store.
The Treasure Shop is always looking for more volunteers, Stupnikoff said. People who have a few hours to spare a week and are interested in supporting their community can sign up by calling 365-7317.
Volunteers and supporters of the Castlegar and District Hospital Auxiliary Society pose with Mayor Lawrence Chernoff (far right) at the auxiliary's downtown Treasure Shop on Thursday morning.