Our Members
The Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary is comprised of passionate, caring, and dedicated volunteers. They are the driving force behind the Auxiliary and the work we do. We would like to give you a chance to get to know some of the amazing individuals who have been involved with the Auxiliary. These stories are of current and former volunteers.
School District Volunteers
A dedicated group of volunteers, including current and former employees with School District 58, makes up the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop night crew. The group includes six members who come twice a week for two to three hours.
One of the members, Joan, has been volunteering with the Auxiliary for the past 10 years. She has filled the Secretary position on the Auxiliary’s Executive and created the organization's website. Joan also started the Thrift Shop night crew. She’s currently an academic advisor with SCIDES, the distance education school in Merritt. Another member, Vera, has also been volunteering for 10 years at the Thrift Shop. As a retired teacher of 30 years, Vera finds the hours and flexibility that the night crew provides a good fit for her. She is amazed by the donations that a small community such as Merritt, gives to the Thrift Shop. Corrine is another member of the Thrift Shop’s night crew and has been involved for almost 10 years. Similar to the other members, the flexible schedule works for her. She is newly retired from her former position as Registrar at SCIDES. Corrine has also volunteered for many other organizations in the community, including the Merritt Centennials and the Chamber of Commerce. Lee has been volunteering for 6 years at the Thrift Shop and her favourite part about volunteering is connecting with her friends and former colleagues. Prior to retiring from SD58, Lee was a Special Education Assistant. Susan has been volunteering with the Thrift Shop’s night crew for 3 years. She has been an avid shopper at the Thrift Shop since moving to Merritt in the early 90s. As a Grade 1 teacher at Bench Elementary, Susan has found the Thrift Shop to be a great place to find affordable children’s books, which she brings to her class to share with students. Shelley-Ann, another teacher with SD58, has been volunteering for almost 10 years at the Thrift Shop. She enjoys being a part of the Thrift Shop’s night crew, as she can give back to the community, while having fun and visiting with friends.
One of the members, Joan, has been volunteering with the Auxiliary for the past 10 years. She has filled the Secretary position on the Auxiliary’s Executive and created the organization's website. Joan also started the Thrift Shop night crew. She’s currently an academic advisor with SCIDES, the distance education school in Merritt. Another member, Vera, has also been volunteering for 10 years at the Thrift Shop. As a retired teacher of 30 years, Vera finds the hours and flexibility that the night crew provides a good fit for her. She is amazed by the donations that a small community such as Merritt, gives to the Thrift Shop. Corrine is another member of the Thrift Shop’s night crew and has been involved for almost 10 years. Similar to the other members, the flexible schedule works for her. She is newly retired from her former position as Registrar at SCIDES. Corrine has also volunteered for many other organizations in the community, including the Merritt Centennials and the Chamber of Commerce. Lee has been volunteering for 6 years at the Thrift Shop and her favourite part about volunteering is connecting with her friends and former colleagues. Prior to retiring from SD58, Lee was a Special Education Assistant. Susan has been volunteering with the Thrift Shop’s night crew for 3 years. She has been an avid shopper at the Thrift Shop since moving to Merritt in the early 90s. As a Grade 1 teacher at Bench Elementary, Susan has found the Thrift Shop to be a great place to find affordable children’s books, which she brings to her class to share with students. Shelley-Ann, another teacher with SD58, has been volunteering for almost 10 years at the Thrift Shop. She enjoys being a part of the Thrift Shop’s night crew, as she can give back to the community, while having fun and visiting with friends.
At the end of a busy day, the night crew prepares the Thrift Shop for the next day, sorting through donations, displaying merchandize, and cleaning the shop. They work extremely hard to make sure the Thrift Shop is in order, providing support to the next day’s volunteer shift. Although volunteering behind the scenes and not during the Thrift Shop’s store hours, they have an invaluable role within the organization. The Auxiliary is very thankful for the dedication and countless volunteer hours that the night crew has given over the past decade!
Volunteer story shared in November, 2016
Volunteer story shared in November, 2016
Judy Evans
Judy explains why she became a member of the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary.
In spring 2020 we retired to Merritt from the Coast. I had a few friends here but aside from that, I knew nobody. One of these friends worked at the Thrift Shop and invited me to volunteer. I am an avid thrifter myself and I thought this sounded like a fun opportunity. Little did I know just how interesting and fun it would be. I received great training and I have enjoyed working with all the volunteers, many of whom have worked at the Thrift Shop for decades. My co-workers have now become my friends. I have made friends with the customers too, many of whom are regular thrift shoppers. The profits from the Thrift Shop go back into the community, and I was very proud of how much money the Auxiliary donated after the floods in 2021. I would encourage anyone who has a few hours to spare to think about becoming a volunteer at the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop. I love living in Merritt the small City with a big heart.
In spring 2020 we retired to Merritt from the Coast. I had a few friends here but aside from that, I knew nobody. One of these friends worked at the Thrift Shop and invited me to volunteer. I am an avid thrifter myself and I thought this sounded like a fun opportunity. Little did I know just how interesting and fun it would be. I received great training and I have enjoyed working with all the volunteers, many of whom have worked at the Thrift Shop for decades. My co-workers have now become my friends. I have made friends with the customers too, many of whom are regular thrift shoppers. The profits from the Thrift Shop go back into the community, and I was very proud of how much money the Auxiliary donated after the floods in 2021. I would encourage anyone who has a few hours to spare to think about becoming a volunteer at the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop. I love living in Merritt the small City with a big heart.
- volunteer story shared July 2022
Hiro Yasuda
Hiro Yasuda has been volunteering for the past 14 years with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary. She has filled many roles at the Thrift Shop, including her former role of arranging the window displays. Presently she displays merchandise and prices items at the shop. Prior to beginning her role as a volunteer, Hiro worked at the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre in food service for over 20 years. Within this role she was responsible for planning and preparing meals for patients and staff. When Hiro retired she began volunteering at the Baillee House and shortly after, started volunteering for the Auxiliary as well. Hiro’s love for preparing food for others continued on after her retirement. She has prepared meals for Auxiliary events and is well known for her baked goods, which she brings almost every day when she volunteers at the Thrift Shop and Baillee House. Hiro hopes to see more community members visiting the Thrift Shop. In doing so, the community can reduce waste by purchasing previously used items, while supporting health care. She believes that the Thrift Shop is a great place for everyone. Volunteering is a special part of Hiro’s life. She feels that it gives her a lot of joy and the opportunity to interact, share, and learn. For Hiro, she is being her best when she can return her happiness to the public through volunteering.
We are grateful for the many contributions that Hiro has made to the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary and her continued commitment to volunteering. We are also thankful for the delicious baked goods that she prepares for us and the joy that she brings to the Thrift Shop!
Volunteer story shared in April, 2016.
We are grateful for the many contributions that Hiro has made to the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary and her continued commitment to volunteering. We are also thankful for the delicious baked goods that she prepares for us and the joy that she brings to the Thrift Shop!
Volunteer story shared in April, 2016.
Sandy Truman
Sandy Truman has been volunteering in thrift shops for 55 years. Her first volunteer role was in a church thrift shop in Burnaby and from there she started a lifetime of volunteerism. After moving to Merritt 16 years ago, she began volunteering with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary. She started at the hospital, providing televisions for patients, a role she filled for three years. Following this, she became a volunteer at the Thrift Shop. At the Thrift Shop, she has worked closely with the Auxiliary's youth volunteers, which has been a lot of fun for her. She has had the opportunity to watch them grow throughout their time as volunteers, seeing their skills and confidence develop. Sandy has belonged to Beta Sigma Phi, an international sorority group, for 55 years. She has also volunteered her time assisting seniors, taking them to medical and dental appointments, as well as bowling. Sandy recalls her mother telling her that the best gift you can give to anyone is to give your time and that is something she has done throughout her life. Her passion for volunteerism has been passed on to her daughter, who was a member of the Auxiliary for 5 years. Everyday at the Thrift Shop is an enjoyment for Sandy. She takes pleasure in working with her fellow volunteers and giving back to those in need in the community. We are thankful for Sandy's commitment and the passion she brings to her work at the Thrift Shop.
Volunteer story shared in December, 2015.
Volunteer story shared in December, 2015.
Anne Rodschat
Anne Rodschat has been a volunteer with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary for 42 years. She moved to Merritt from Germany 47 years ago and has become quite familiar with the community over the years. When she began volunteering she was a single mother with three small children. She started doing the children’s section at the Thrift Shop and enjoyed seeing customers coming in and getting something special for their kids. The smile on the children’s faces when they received something from the Thrift Shop always made her day. In addition to doing the children’s section, Anne has also been the Thrift Shop Convenor twice. She has seen the Thrift Shop evolve over time, moving locations and expanding its store space. Anne is very happy to see the growing support that it has received over the years. When Anne’s youngest daughter was 4 years old she would come to the Thrift Shop with her. Her daughter later became a hospital Candy Striper and then as an adult, began working as a nurse at the hospital in Merritt. Today, Anne’s daughter is a pharmacy manager in Seattle. It has brought Anne a lot of joy to see her daughter spending time at the Thrift Shop as a child and continuing her interest in health care as she grew up. Anne has contributed immensely to the Auxiliary in her time as a volunteer and her commitment is greatly appreciated.
Volunteer story shared in April, 2015.
Volunteer story shared in April, 2015.
Donna Vasko and Leah Hornby
Mother and daughter volunteers, Donna Vasko and Leah Hornby, have been with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary for the past few years at the Thrift Shop. Donna has been involved for four years and works on the Thrift Shop floor, helping customers and arranging merchandise. Leah got involved with the Auxiliary more recently, about two years ago, after hearing about the positive experience that her mother was having at the Thrift Shop. She now volunteers sorting merchandise and running the cash register. Donna inspired the value of volunteerism in her children at a young age. Leah has been involved with Girl Guides of Canada for over 30 years and continues to be a guide. Donna believes that there is a need for volunteerism in the community and hopes to see the Thrift Shop and its volunteer membership expand in the future so that they can continue to meet the growing needs for services in the community. Similar to her mother, Leah sees the value of volunteerism in Merritt. She encourages those that have spare time and are looking for something to get involved in, to consider volunteering with the Auxiliary. Even without experience working in a Thrift Shop or volunteering, one of the benefits is the training that is provided to new volunteers. Whether they are volunteering separately or together, Donna and Leah always bring cheerfulness to the Thrift Shop that is appreciated by customers and their fellow volunteers.
What impact do you think the Auxiliary has on the community? “It has a huge impact. There are a lot of families in Merritt that can use our services.” – Leah
What is your favourite thing about volunteering with the Auxiliary? “Being able to know that everything that comes in goes back to the community and back to the people that really need it.” – Donna
Volunteer story shared in February, 2015.
What impact do you think the Auxiliary has on the community? “It has a huge impact. There are a lot of families in Merritt that can use our services.” – Leah
What is your favourite thing about volunteering with the Auxiliary? “Being able to know that everything that comes in goes back to the community and back to the people that really need it.” – Donna
Volunteer story shared in February, 2015.
Kathy Parks
Kathy Parks has been a member of the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary since 2013. As a newly retired individual who had recently moved to Merritt, she applied to be a volunteer as she thought it would be a good way to meet people and give back to the community. She began volunteering at the Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop two to three days a week, sorting donations and working with customers. She soon became responsible for one of the shop’s window displays, an exciting new challenge for her. She has found it to be very rewarding watching the display come together and it is something she looks forward to each week. Recently, Kathy has also filled the Volunteer Coordinator position with the Auxiliary. Within this role, she supports new volunteers throughout the application process. She helps them with the application forms, discusses the different volunteer positions that are available, and supports them to find a role that suits their interests. Kathy is also an avid thrift shopper, something that she frequently does with her grandchildren.
What has been the most rewarding thing for you since you started volunteering? “The wonderful people I have met.”
What are the benefits of volunteering with the Auxiliary? “For those that are new to the Merritt, it is a great way to meet people. For youth, it’s an excellent asset to have on your resume and something that will enhance your skills. And most importantly, volunteering with the Auxiliary allows you to give back to the community.”
Volunteer story shared in January, 2015.
What has been the most rewarding thing for you since you started volunteering? “The wonderful people I have met.”
What are the benefits of volunteering with the Auxiliary? “For those that are new to the Merritt, it is a great way to meet people. For youth, it’s an excellent asset to have on your resume and something that will enhance your skills. And most importantly, volunteering with the Auxiliary allows you to give back to the community.”
Volunteer story shared in January, 2015.
Judy Hughes
Judy Hughes has been involved with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary for two years and currently fills multiple roles. She began volunteering with the Coffee Wagon and continues to do so twice a week, serving coffee, tea, juice, and cookies to patients at the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre. She enjoys interacting with the patients and feels that they appreciate the service provided by the Auxiliary. She also fills the 1st Vice President role on the Executive. Within this role she holds meetings when needed, steps in when the President is away, and supports the President in acting as a hospital liaison. Judy also volunteers at the Thrift Shop once a week. Judy thinks highly of youth volunteerism and her granddaughter, Laurenne Koller, is an excellent example of the contributions youth make to the Auxiliary. Laurenne is a volunteer at the Thrift Shop and was inspired to get involved from her grandmother. One of Judy’s fondest memories with the Auxiliary was attending a conference in Clearwater. During the conference there was a power outage and despite the lack of power, she found it to be a positive experience, throughout which, she was able connect with her fellow Auxiliary members.
Volunteer story shared in December, 2014.
Volunteer story shared in December, 2014.
Betty Doberstein
Betty Doberstein joined the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary in 1981 as the Second Director on the Auxiliary’s Executive. At the time she was a stay-at-home mother and was looking for a volunteer opportunity that was flexible. She found this flexibility with the Auxiliary and it allowed her to continue volunteering when she began working full-time. Currently, Betty is the Auxiliary’s President, a position that she has held four times, each term for a period of two years. Within this role she runs meetings, organizes Auxiliary activities and events, and acts as the liaison between the Auxiliary and the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre. In addition to volunteering with the Auxiliary, Betty has been the President of the Merritt Centennial Booster Club for 13 years and also helps out with Minor Hockey. Betty recently retired from her position at Gillis House and is looking forward to spending some time throughout the year down south in hotter weather. In the future, Betty looks forward to expanding the Thrift Shop and allowing for more items to be sold and more funds to be raised. Betty’s most memorable moment with the Auxiliary is when they burned the Thrift Shop mortgage, as a celebration for the members who had worked very hard for many years to pay it off!
Volunteer story shared in September, 2014.
Volunteer story shared in September, 2014.
Del Lawrence and Jean Guy Dupuis
Del has been a volunteer with the Auxiliary for over 26 years. Throughout her time with the Auxiliary she has held every position on the executive, including Convenor for the Thrift Shop. Currently she fills the Past President position. Through her commitment to volunteering and health care, Del has had a very positive impact in the Nicola Valley. In 2007, Del was one of five individuals nominated by the Nicola Valley Women in Action for her outstanding community service. Additionally in 2008, in recognition for her involvement in the health field, Del was chosen by Thompson Life magazine as one of the top 50 most influential people in the region. Over the years, Del has also been a committed volunteer for many other organisations and initiatives, including the Hospital Foundation Board, Patricia Rebecca Lodge, Merritt Senior Citizens Centre, Canadian Cancer Society, Big Bike for Heart and Stroke, Elvis Presley Fan Club for the Patient’s Transportation Program, Canadian Red Cross, and more. Jean became involved with the Auxiliary through Del. He is a helping hand around the Thrift Shop, working in the background, providing an extremely important service, moving heavy items and doing maintenance at the shop. Jean is joined by a few other men who fill a similar role. Jean is a musician that plays country music with a band locally at various spots within Merritt. Similar to Del, Jean is also involved in other community organisations. The Auxiliary is very fortunate to have Del and Jean as members. Their commitment and service to health care within the community is invaluable.
Volunteer story shared in August, 2014.
Volunteer story shared in August, 2014.
Lois Blair
Lois Blair has been a dedicated volunteer for many years with numerous community organizations and causes. She began volunteering as a teen with high school sports and has since filled many different roles. Giving back to her community has remained an important part of her life. For the past three years, she has been involved with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary. She has always been involved in the health care setting, both professionally and as a volunteer, and being an Auxiliary volunteer was a natural fit. After experiencing a heart attack in 2001, Lois is thankful for the care and dedication shown by the hospital staff and acknowledges them for saving her life. Following this experience, her perspective on life has changed. She now takes pleasure in each day, engaging in the activities she loves and continuing to give back to her community. She enjoys playing cards, gardening, swimming, bowling, and all around having fun.
What is it about volunteering that you enjoy?
“Giving back - somebody had to give to me when I was young, so I give back.”
Do you have any recommendations for future volunteers?
“Be pleasant. Be sincere. And again, giving back. In one space of your life, usually, everybody will be in the hospital one way or the other. It just lets you see how much work the nurses, etc. all do.”
Volunteer story shared in March, 2014.
What is it about volunteering that you enjoy?
“Giving back - somebody had to give to me when I was young, so I give back.”
Do you have any recommendations for future volunteers?
“Be pleasant. Be sincere. And again, giving back. In one space of your life, usually, everybody will be in the hospital one way or the other. It just lets you see how much work the nurses, etc. all do.”
Volunteer story shared in March, 2014.
Myrna Jones
For 37 years, Myrna Jones has generously volunteered with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary. Throughout her time as a volunteer she has filled many roles at the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre and the Thrift Shop. Myrna’s most prominent role has been at the Thrift Shop, organizing the weekly window display. Myrna has taken on this role for 35 years, always with great attention to detail. Her displays have brought many customers into the Thrift Shop. Looking back, Myrna has had many fond memories of her time with the Auxiliary. She had a few laughs at a provincial auxiliary conference, where her and a few members of the Auxiliary participated in a hay ride. But little did they know that once attached to the wagon, the horse team would take off running, with the members in tow. Myrna loves spending time with her two daughters, three grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Her sister and niece are also members of the Auxiliary and she enjoys volunteering with them.
What is your fondest memory of the Auxiliary? “I’ve loved the Auxiliary and I’ve always done the window. I just love doing it, because it’s for a good cause.”
What is your favourite thing about volunteering at the Thrift Shop? “Working with all the different people at the Thrift shop. I’ve always loved all the people I’ve worked with.”
Volunteer story shared in February, 2014.
What is your fondest memory of the Auxiliary? “I’ve loved the Auxiliary and I’ve always done the window. I just love doing it, because it’s for a good cause.”
What is your favourite thing about volunteering at the Thrift Shop? “Working with all the different people at the Thrift shop. I’ve always loved all the people I’ve worked with.”
Volunteer story shared in February, 2014.
Joan Harkies
Joan Harkies has been a dedicated volunteer with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary for 46 years… and counting! She took a short break, moving to Revelstoke for a few years, but returned to Merritt and to the Auxiliary. She has filled multiple roles throughout her time as a volunteer, including volunteering at the hospital, the Thrift Shop, and for the gift case. She has always had a passion for volunteering and an interest in working with people. Having worked as a cashier, the Thrift Shop provided her with the opportunity to use her professional skills within a volunteer setting. Joan is the proud grandmother of five grandchildren. When she isn’t volunteering, she can be found on Nicola Lake, where she likes to go RVing and fishing. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, walking, and has a love for dogs and cats. For six years, Joan and her husband have filled a unique role at the Thrift Shop, working on the jewelry that is brought in. They take the jewelry home to be cleaned and fixed, prior to being sold at the Thrift Shop. She hopes to see more youth volunteering in the future and welcomes their energy and new ideas. She also hopes to see more men get involved at the Thrift Shop to help with some of the heavy lifting!
What is your fondest memory of the Auxiliary? “Meeting new people and working with the girls at the Thrift Shop.”
What is your favourite thing about the Thrift Shop? “The customers are so good at our store. Every one of them is just fantastic. I don’t think I have every had a bad customer.”
Volunteer story shared in January, 2014.
What is your fondest memory of the Auxiliary? “Meeting new people and working with the girls at the Thrift Shop.”
What is your favourite thing about the Thrift Shop? “The customers are so good at our store. Every one of them is just fantastic. I don’t think I have every had a bad customer.”
Volunteer story shared in January, 2014.