34 volunteers who'd been donating their time at the Lacombe Hospital and Nursing Home have joined forces, so they can both keep reaching their goal of improving patient care.

Originally there were two Auxiliaries, one at the nursing home, and one at the new hospital, but they've now joined to become one organization, and continue donating their time, and raising money for equipment, programs, and services.

Marianne Gustafson President of the Lacombe Auxiliary says the volunteers have committed over 235,000 hours of service over the years.

"I don't think the public realises that these facilities would be really bare without the Auxiliary and other volunteer groups doing what they do. It amazes me all the time, just to have baking classes, and wood working classes in here now. We also have a beauty salon for patient’s that was totally funded."

Gustafson says they've been able to raise $580,000 and explains why some of their volunteers have been helping out for 40, even 50 years.

"I think we can all say we want to make a difference. But for a lot of ladies, it's also the companionship. For them it's a social time out and they're doing something good at the same time. When we come in they recognize us and talk to them, and for patients because they already know us, it's like having family."

The Lacombe Hospital Auxiliary currently has 34 volunteers helping out, and if you're interested in joining in their effort, you can stop by the Lacombe Hospital for their monthly meeting.

They run the second Thursday of each month from 1:30 till 3:00, excluding July and August.