Are you organized, creative or good with numbers? Do you like to take photos or write cheques? We may have just the opportunity for you!
The Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary is looking for people who are interested in making a positive difference to the health and wellness of Richmond residents by serving as members of their Board of Directors.
They have immediate openings for the following positions:
- Vice President – works closely with the president, chairs special committees, has signing authority for issues cheques on the Auxiliary bank account, develops knowledge of the Constitution and Bylaws, acts as President when they are absent.
- Recording Secretary – attend and takes minutes for all Board of Governor meetings, Annual General Meeting and other special meetings, transcribes and circulates minutes, book meeting rooms, helps prepare for AGM.
- Treasurer – Has custody of all funds and bank accounts of the Auxiliary, ensure accurate records are kept of all financial transactions, pay all bills approved by the Board, prepare and audit financial statements for circulation at the AGM.
- Public Relations – responsible for all publicity, including announcements and information, liaise with local newspapers, take photos of Auxiliary events.
Knowledge and experience in the area is preferred but the Board is willing to train those with a strong interest in the area and desire to learn. Time commitment is for 2-3 years, depending on the position, and involves monthly 2-hour meetings, approximately four hours in subcommittee work or volunteer activities per month and attendance at the Annual General Meeting.
Sitting on the Board is also a great opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills.
Deb Turner is relatively new to the Board, having joined in January as the Membership Chair. She says she decided to become a board member after volunteering for almost two years at the Thrift Store and co-ordinating the annual Antique and Vintage Sale. Through these experiences, she came to appreciate that the services and outlets run by Auxilians can only be as strong and effective as the body governing them.
She says it’s still a bit early to make any definitive, general statements on her experience but, so far, she’s finding she’s committing a few hours each week to the role and that the time can vary depending on the projects and events she’s involved with.
“I must say that I really appreciate the social aspect of the role too,” says Deb. “I’ve met so many different, interesting people since I began volunteering and serving on the board – from long time Richmond residents to new immigrants. Many of them are people that I would not normally have met”
“It is a time commitment and a bit of work,’ she admits “but it’s also a lot of fun and a great opportunity for people to step up and make important contributions to their community and the healthcare that can be provided because I believe our community really suffers if we don’t do that.”
For a more detailed description of these positions, or if you are interested in one of them or know someone who is, please contact Clare Dhillon at 604.948.1474 Claredhillon@telus.net. Nominations will be accepted until the AGM on April 6th.
The Board of Governors governs the Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary, manages requests for funding and is involved in a number of events throughout the year. The Auxiliary was created before Richmond Hospital opened its doors in 1962, and has been a valued partner for over 50 years. Auxilians play an important role in raising funds for patients and residents – they have raised over $50 million to date – as well as providing care and comfort to patients, residents and clients.