“It’s amazing, the donations we get,” says Kitty Murray, president of the Ashcroft and District Health Care Auxiliary (ADHCA). She and treasurer Shirley Holowchuk spoke with The Journal on the morning of July 6, the day the Elephant Hill wildfire broke out; and Murray says, several weeks later, that the donations have increased since the fire. “People are so generous. We’re absolutely overwhelmed.”
The Auxiliary was founded on August 14, 1913, just a few short weeks after the Lady Minto Hospital opened in Ashcroft. To date it has raised—in contemporary terms—well over $1 million for local health-care needs; and now, in the wake of the recent wildfire, it is helping all those who are in need.
“Anyone who lost everything can come to the Thrift Shop [located at 601 Bancroft Street in Ashcroft, and open through August from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday] and take anything they need, at no charge,” says Murray.
“And those who were evacuated can come in and get deals on what they need.”
Murray says that the Auxiliary has seen an increase in furniture donations since the Cache Creek landfill closed in December 2016 and the TNRD stepped in to operate a transfer station at the site, which charges tipping fees for furniture. “We got small furniture items before that, but we’ve seen much more furniture, such as sofas and chairs, since.
“Sometimes if we put it out there as free people will take it, but if the quality is bad we can’t sell the items, and have to pay to have it taken to the tip. We have three honorary male members who do the heavy lifting for us, and haul away the furniture. Sometimes we can direct it to the Elizabeth Fry Society, or the HUB, or the Hutch. We work really well together.”
Holowchuk adds, however, that the Auxiliary would prefer not to have to dispose of unwanted furniture left there. “Please don’t do that. It’s difficult for us to deal with. Even if it’s a really nice couch, we can’t do much with it.”
Murray says that while more donations are welcome, there are some things, such as electronics, that they often can’t accept because of federal regulations. “Almost anything to do with children—like baby gates, strollers, and cribs—we can’t re-sell. It’s the same with things like helmets and life vests.” She adds that they appreciate it when donated items have been cleaned: not just clothing, but everything.
The Thrift Shop normally closes during the summer; but even before the fire, and the need created by it, the decision was made to stay open throughout July and August this year. “We have so many donations,” says Murray. “It’s a lot just to keep up with them. If we close, they just pile up.”
The ADHCA is always looking for new members who would like to work at the Thrift Shop. “The majority of our volunteers are seniors, but there are no age restrictions. And it’s whatever you can give, time-wise.”
The funds raised at the Thrift Shop funds many health-related items. “We provide funding to health-care sites in our immediate area, plus other places where local people go for health-care,” says Holowchuk, with Murray adding that many people think all the money raised goes elsewhere.
The Thrift Shop is able to provide emergency clothing for ER patients—adults and children—if necessary, as well as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and more for people who end up having to spend the night in the Emergency Department. Murray notes that they also have a “clothes closet” at the long-term care facility (Jackson House) at the hospital, to help any new residents there who might need clothing.
The ADHCA also has a patient care committee, which has a budget to spend on Jackson House residents. “We can provide cake on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, flowers at Easter, gifts at Christmas, bingo prizes, plants for the garden,” says Murray.
They also provide items such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for the tub room at Jackson House, and maintain a showcase at the hospital where gifts and baby clothes are available for purchase.
The Thrift Shop will be holding a two-week Christmas sale in November. They also have random bag sales: there is one occurring now every day the Thrift Shop is open through August 30, with the first bag of clothes priced at $3, the second at $2, and the third at $1 when purchased at the same time. For details, and to find out more about the Thrift Store hours and special offers, visit their Facebook page at http://bit.ly/2vi5E44.