Buddy Hannam honoured for her years of service to hospital aux. iary

Ken Johnston
Editor

For most of its 16 year history the Rainy River Hospital Auxiliary has been lead by Laurene “Buddy” Hannam.
Last Wednesday that leadership culminated with a special luncheon in her honour. Hannam has stepped out of the president’s chair and tried to retire from that lime-light. However, new president, Myrna Armstrong said she would only take on the presidency if Buddy agreed to stay on as vice-president.
Former hospital administrator Norma Elliott said she talked Hannam into getting involved with the Auxiliary as it was chartered in 1987. “I asked her to join the auxiliary...(she) took on the duties as President over a dozen years.”
Together the pair supported each other in the quest to get a new hospital in Rainy River and in 1999 that dream came true.
Hannam said that right from the beginnings of hospitals in Rainy River there were volunteer groups of women that helped supplement life in them.
In 1925 the community’s first hospital, located on River Avenue, now the home of Crystal Lindal, was purchased by the women’s institute for $3,500. In 1935 the women’s institute and Red Cross Society raised money for an xray machine.
In 1946 the $10M club was formed ina when the $10,000 goal was reached a new Red Cross hospital was opened in 1951 on the site of the existing hospital.
As fundraising progressed from the early 1980s to the late 90s, the hosp. aux. was a key player in those efforts.
They also donated comfort items as well as medical equipment and furniture to the hospital over the years. They also opened and staff a tuck shop at the new hospital.
Some of the best memories Hannam has of being president involved helping host the recent hospital fundraising dinners and a particular fundraiser really came to mind. “We had a fashion show. Eleanor McTaggart organized and Jean Tooth was the emcee.”
Hannam said the friendships she made over the years and the strong support for the auxiliary were very rewarding for her.
She wishes Armstrong all the best in her presidency.