The Auxiliary to University Hospital of Northern B.C. has a few gaps in its volunteer hours.
The most pressing need is at the hospital's gift shop.
The weekday shift from 4 to 7 p.m. needs to be filled and president of the auxiliary, Linda Hohn, said people only need to commit to one shift a week to help the cause.
"We're very involved with the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation and one of our main goals is to donate to the hospital," said Hohn.
"So far this year we have donated around $178,000. Not only are we donating funds to purchase equipment at the hospital, we also have many other services."
At Jubilee Lodge, the auxiliary, which has been in existence since 1919, provides bingo and birthday parties for the residents and at the hospital there is a small group of women who prepare handmade meal tray favours to bring the patients at bit of cheer on special occasions.
For Halloween the 180 or so patients in the hospital will find a little pumpkin on their tray.
All told there are about 170 volunteers and other projects include running two information desks, one at the main door and one at the emergency entrance.
There are ladies who deliver flowers, create knitted items, as well as making quilts and hand-sewn items to sell at the gift shop.
"We have a wonderful thrift store at 1523 Third Ave. and we are in desperate need of volunteers there as well - they just can't keep the shifts covered," said Hohn. "That store does a lot of business and they are always looking for donations."
Duties at the thrift store include taking in donations, sorting the items and running the cash register.
The thrift store accepts donations of clothing, knick knacks, jewelry and small household items. There is limited space so they can't accept any furniture or other big items. Hours of business are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The gift shop in the hospital foyer is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
Duties include cashier, running the lotto machine, dusting, and stocking shelves, every duty involved with operating a regular gift shop. This one is just volunteer driven.
"We really are a destination gift shop," said Hohn.
"We have a lot of lovely stuff."
All volunteers are trained at each location.
"It's not daunting and it's a lot of fun," said Hohn.
"You get to meet a lot of friendly people and there is a nice group of women who volunteer."
For more information or to volunteer call Linda Hohn at 250-964-2550, Ruth Sullivan at 250-562-0745 or email [email protected].
