Photo: Contributed

A fond farewell was bid to the Winfield Hospital Auxiliary after more than six decades of service.

The volunteer organization was officially folded on May 16, after 62 years in support of Kelowna General Hospital.

Remaining members of the auxiliary were celebrated by the KGH Foundation, and commended by Lake Country Mayor James Baker.

“I am humbled by their dedication,” said Baker.  “As a community, we are thoroughly grateful for their significant contributions over the years.”

The Winfield Hospital Auxiliary was established in April 1956 as subsidiary of the Kelowna Hospital Auxiliary. That year, they raised $132.52 to purchase a scale for the hospital. 

Since then, members have held fashion shows, bake sales, picnics, raffles, and in recent years, began a catering service.

They even published the Winfield Calendar weekly news circular from 1973 to 1979.

“We want to give credit to all the women that have been part of our membership over the years,” said president Connie Douma, “and the residents, community and businesses of Lake Country who have always supported our work.”

“We are very proud to have served for so many years.”

Earlier this year, the auxiliary said it would fold because its members are getting too old to carry on, and no new people were joining.