Actionmarguerite Saint-Boniface was founded by the Grey Nuns and has served generations of Manitobans in their time of need. The Sisters were not the only women who made a difference in the lives of residents. A small group of local laywomen who had family members living in the long-term care facility contributed enormously, as well. The Ladies Auxiliary was founded 60 years ago, an incredible milestone that has been marked by the creation of an endowment fund that will carry on their legacy for years to come.
“The very idea of the Ladies Auxiliary is very touching,” shares the CEO of Actionmarguerite, Micheline St-Hilaire. “All those years ago, they decided they wanted to be of service, and they went to work. They were truly pioneers in finding ways to enhance the quality of life of those we support. That was always their goal: whatever could be done to make lives better, they wanted to do it.”
The group, which cycled through dozens of members over the years, founded and ran the boutique located near the entrance on the first floor, which was the main way they raised funds. They were also well known for their annual teas. “People still talk about those teas!” says St-Hilaire with a laugh. “Sure, it was a fundraiser, but it was also in the spirit of community. They wanted to make sure that people came together to surround Centre Taché with love and support. They wanted everyone to be a part of the community.”
As the number of members dwindled over the years, and new and different volunteer programs were created, the Ladies Auxiliary began to wind down operations. In the summer of 2024, they were honoured at the Actionmarguerite Volunteer Appreciation Event, where it was unveiled that a $86,000 endowment fund was being created with the last of their fundraising efforts as a group.
“The Auxiliary wanted the dollars to flow in perpetuity, to ensure that their work would carry on,” explains St-Hilaire. “We will use those funds for celebrations, especially Christmas, to make it special for the 299 residents of Actionmarguerite Saint-Boniface. This generous gift will truly benefit so many for years to come.”
For her part, St-Hilaire felt that their final farewell at the appreciation event was a fitting tribute. “I thought it was beautiful to be in the room to honour them along with our other volunteers,” reflects St-Hilaire. “There might be a new way of doing things, but there’s also a new generation of people. We saw youth volunteers and all these people who continue to give of their time, from the heart. This isn’t an ending, but a beginning of something new. Their legacy lives on in every volunteer that comes through our doors.”