The unofficial start to the holiday market season in the Valley was back on after a two-year absence imposed by the pandemic. Crowds flocked to the return of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Barrie Memorial Hospital (WA) annual bazaar on November 5 at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School; the event serves as a fundraiser for the organization, a social event, and a chance to get an early start on Christmas shopping.
The format was slightly changed this year, with food vendors providing a light lunch and treats instead of the traditional sit-down BBQ chicken meal served by volunteers. But, as always, several of the hospital’s physicians were on hand to serve coffee.
Donations were also accepted by the WA during the event as part of the annual membership drive. President Louise Labelle Rollin noted in her annual address that without such donations, the WA “would not be able to purchase the equipment needed by many of the patients who visit the hospital.” Recent purchases include five Lazy-Boy chairs for the employee lounge ($6,869), therapeutic equipment for physiotherapy and occupational therapy ($6,136), and an oxygen machine for inhalation therapy ($14,165). “We are waiting for invoices for several other large purchases,” adds Labelle Rollin, who thanks the volunteers and donors for their continued dedication to the hospital.
The winners of the draw for a beautiful quilt as well as several other prizes were announced shortly after the event. The winner of the quilt this year is Elise Menard, while other prize winners include Olivia Hamilton, Judy Templeton, Shanelle Caza, and Erik Brooks. (SR)
