Century milestones

Maria Bilyk is a good listener.

The 83-year-old-grandmother spent a good portion of her life as a volunteer with the Auxiliary to St. Joseph’s Care Group. She joined the Auxiliary in 1949 but began volunteering a year later. Her work mostly focused on filing and helping in the emergency areas.

St. Joseph’s used to offer acute care but has since become a chronic care facility. Bilyk said with the change she has more opportunities to make one-on-one connection with each patient, the part that she finds most rewarding about the work.

"I remember one gentleman who worked in the bush," Bilyk said. "He use to work at night and didn’t have too many friends in town. I brought him to a couple of appointments and every time he was at the hospital, I’d go by. He was so nice and friendly to talk to."

Generally, patients who developed relationships with the volunteers often confided in them and even share stories that even their families don’t know of, she said.

"He got really sick and his family came from Germany," she said. "They were so grateful and thankful that they tried to pay me. I said no, you can’t pay me I’m a volunteer and I love doing it."

However, as with doctors, all conversations are confidential, she said.

The Auxiliary celebrated its 115 anniversary along side the centennial of the Manor House and had a garden party on Sunday.

The Manor House was originally owned by the Wiley family until forced to leave because of financial troubles in the 1930 Depression. Bishop Dignan purchased the building for the Sisters of St. Joseph who used it as a place for those in need. Year later, the home was renamed the Manor House and acts as a facility for St. Joseph’s Alzheimer day program.

Myrna Letourneau, chairperson of St. Joseph’s Care Group Board of Directors, said they wanted to celebrate one of the recognizable landmarks within Thunder Bay.

"I think it is very important that we celebrate our successes and our milestones and celebrate the people that we serve," Letourneau said. "We decided the celebrate both anniversaries because the milestones coincide together. We just wanted to do something very special."

As part of the celebrations, Letourneau unveiled a plague dedicated to the Auxiliary in the Nick Yankyw Memorial Garden.

Susan Tennier, president of the Auxiliary to St. Joseph’s Care Group, said there are about 185 members and added that people volunteer because they are compassionate and want to give back to their communities.

"I think it is nice to get some recognition that is visible," Tennier said. "It’s nice when someone is passing by they can see that we have been here for so long and that St. Joseph’s hospital was the first hospital in Thunder Bay. It’s important that we have a monument that people can come and see how long we’ve been active in the community."