The month of December marks the end of the calendar year and some of us sit in wonderment, asking, as Dr. Seuss said, “How did it get so late so soon?” Yes, another year has passed and we are suddenly faced with the prospect of increasingly frosty mornings, frenetic shopping days and the intense planning for special family gatherings. However, the finale of another year is so much more. It is not only a time of seasonal transition from fall to winter and a time for festive celebration but also a time for reflection.
As I reflect on the past year’s activities of our provincial association, I note many successes, changes, and also, some challenging works in progress. Last April, the well-attended BCAHA Annual Conference held in Kamloops, with the theme SPRING ROUND-UP, SHARING AND BUILDING ON YOUR SUCCESSES, offered many valuable learning, networking and social opportunities for delegates. According to all accounts, it was an event enjoyed by all!
In October, new Board members from the Northeast, Northwest and Kootenay Boundary were welcomed to the Board table bringing with them new perspectives, new energy, and in all cases, valuable life experience, and we are most grateful for their willingness to serve our membership.
The review of the BCAHA Constitution and Bylaws has been completed in order to comply with the new Societies Act. Changes made for the most part have focused on creating a more succinct document, and one that clearly reflects current BCAHA needs and responsibilities. Early in 2018, a copy will be electronically circulated to the membership for their perusal, prior to its passage at the next BCAHA Annual General Meeting.
The BCAHA website is in the process of being refreshed. Our website is not only a major communication tool for our membership but also represents the initial public impression of our association and what is offered by our individual member Auxiliaries. The aim is to enhance the website to increase interest and allow the site to be more user-friendly and, perhaps, include such possibilities as an interactive calendar, video introduction by the BCAHA President and a special section focusing on thrift shop activity.
Since last April, I have attended Auxiliary Presidents’ meetings and presented Leadership workshops in the Northeast (Prince George), in the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford), and participated in the Vancouver Island Area Presidents’ meeting. It was gratifying to see the excellent attendance of both Presidents and other Executive members at all of these meetings and to witness the level of positive interaction at the table.
The BCAHA Vice President has been working diligently since June, planning for the 2018 Leadership Forum, STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS to be held in beautiful Harrison Hot Springs, April 20 to 22. So, mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to ‘tap YOUR hidden springs!’
In 2017, our association has had many successes of which to be proud, numerous changes to embrace, and works still in progress. They say that reflection on the past allows us to see the future more clearly. Now, as we enter this special holiday season, let us take time for peaceful reflection so that in the year ahead we may continue to celebrate the special gift of volunteerism in the true Auxiliary spirit. I wish all our members a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with good health and much happiness!
Warmly,
Lynda Avis, President, British Columbia Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries
