Florence tea features fashion show

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By Joan Ratz

Riverdale District Health Auxiliary (RDHA) hosted its annual Florence Nightingale Tea on Saturday, May 2, with the added attraction of a fashion show organized by the staff of Rivers Super Thrifty Pharmacy. Auxiliary president Lynn Madden welcomed those in attendance and introduced Debbie Neely who gave a review of her responsibilities as rehab recreational director. Debbie also looks after the auxiliary craft cupboard. Recently, RDHA has purchased a new and improved craft cupboard and is excited to provide a variety of necessities for patients to purchase. Debbie officially opened the tea and auxiliary member Barb Sveistrup gave the blessing.

Those in attendance generously purchased tickets for cash raffles, grocery basket raffles and a three-piece bistro set, and quickly bought out the delicious assortment of baking on our bake tables. Winner of the bistro set was Audrey Ashton; cash winners were Betty MacDonald (first prize), Emily Chen (second prize) and Norm Bridgeman (third prize). This year we had eight grocery hampers filled with items donated by members. Lucky winners of these baskets were Gavin Pomeroy, Carol Bray, Donna Short, Charlotte MacDonald, Debbie Johannson, Shelley Burt, Frieda Paddock and Tracy Paddock. A kid’s treasure basket was won by Joyce Espey. We also provide a fish pond for children in attendance; thanks to Gavin Pomeroy and Logan Creighton for manning this station.

Displays were set up by Esther Krahn for palliative care, Gary Pomeroy for the hospital foundation and Jean Young for senior services. June Elliott was the recipient of a lovely potted plant from the palliative care display and Ruby Gottfried won the foundation draw.

The added attraction of a fashion show showcased many beautiful outfits and accessories that can be found at our local drug store. These items are ordered from a company called GURU, which is a free trade company. This business returns all profit to the locals who produce the pieces. Local ladies did a lovely job in modelling all the unique clothing and jewelry, and those in attendance were impressed by the show. RDHA is very grateful to Super Thrifty staff for co-ordinating this added attraction to our tea.

We are also grateful to all who purchased tickets, supported our tea by their attendance, the ladies who organized the fashion show and all who helped in any way with our tea. Students Chassidy Payette and Haile Hubbard volunteered to help us serve tea — thank you. All proceeds from this event will be used to provide comfort and care for patients in our health care facilities. Our next fundraiser is a yard sale, held tomorrow at 770 Fifth Avenue in Rivers; it runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. so we look forward to seeing you there!