When it comes to improving health care, one thing seems clear. It takes a village.
It seems to be a reality that health care systems across the country are having issues with retention, funding and expansion.
Read more: Column: Jubilee advocacy
Here in Lloydminster, advocacy has gone on for quite some time. The Lloydminster Health Care Auxiliary started work all the way back in 1932 and it was a continuation of the role of women in supporting the provision of health services.
Unfortunately, due to the war, the group disbanded in 1940 but was reorganized as the Lloydminster Hospital Auxiliary in 1975.
Members gave their time and talents to provide additional comforts to patients. They would mend and sew hospital linens, sponsor bake sales, card parties and talent contests to raise money.
One of the most successful ventures they undertook was the gift shop. Proceeds from the gift shop help support health-care projects for Lloydminster. The store was often kept full by volunteers who donate items they knitted and crocheted.
Today, the gift shop is still open seven days a week and still supports regional health care. It’s operated by the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. You can even order flowers through the gift shop to be sent to a hospital room.
Notably for the auxiliary, they received the Lloydminster Lions Club’s Citizen of the Year award in 1999, also their 50th anniversary.
Health care continues to be a concern for the Border City and various groups work hard to ensure residents have access to the services they need.
The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society has been advocating for the replacement of the aging Jubilee Home.
The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation continues to support
various projects in the community. Recently, the Synergy Sunrise Run raised money for mental health initiatives in the community.
In 2002, the health foundation was hoping to raise more than $20,000 from their annual gala. Fast forward a year or two to 2025, the foundation raised over $400,000 at its annual gala.
In this case, it really does take a village. Had it not been for all of the dedicated individuals working to better health care in the community, I worry about where we might be. We’re largely ignored by two provinces on important issues, but these individuals’ voices and money help keep us relevant.
There are countless groups in Lloydminster that help give back and I’d like to end this by saying thank you for all you do.
Starting a conversation or helping someone can go a long way.
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