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A Labour of Love

November 3, 2017 by Grace Hospital in Foundation News, News, Volunteer

Every Tuesday morning, tucked in their cozy work room, the Bookworms wiggle their way through piles of books, pricing and preparing for the next book sale.

Mrs. Ollie Bate is the Head Bookworm. It was her love of books that steered her in the direction to spend the past 15 years volunteering at the Grace Hospital as a Bookworm. “I love to read, and love the mandate of the Bookworms; which is to provide funds for patient care,” said Mrs. Bate when asked why she decided to volunteer.

Mrs. Bate leads the 12 Bookworms, a group of volunteers who meet weekly to sort through the books, price and chat about the daily going-ons. While Mrs. Bate couldn’t remember when the Bookworm name came to be, she did recall it began as a joke. “The name just evolved,” said Mrs. Bate. “If you love to read, you are often called a bookworm. The name stuck.”

Mrs. Bate describes the bookworm group as one that shares a lot of special moments. “We work well together,” said Mrs. Bate. “It’s a labour of love. The group is dedicated to the job and providing the service to make sure any money we make, goes to patient care.” It doesn’t hurt that one of the perks of the job is to be able to borrow a book and bring it back (to sell), adds Mrs. Bates.

The first book sale at the Grace Hospital happened in 1990, when volunteer Phyllis Ireland set up in the main lobby and raised just over $450. Since then, the Bookworms have donated over $371,500 to the Grace Hospital Foundation in support of patient care. That number doesn’t include the over 15,385 hours of time the group has donated as a whole since 2004.

The Bookworms host two big book sales (May & September) and 5 mini book sales a year.

Even though some may argue the trend of reading has been leading towards digital books, Mrs. Bate says she does feel print is making a comeback. “I think people are going back to holding a book in their hand,” said Mrs. Bate. “I think looking at a screen is monotonous, there is something special about looking at print.”

The Bookworms are continually grateful for the donations they receive to help populate their book sales, and are always looking for more. “We have been fortunate in the donations we get from the community,” said Mrs. Bate.

If you would like to make a donation of books to the Grace Hospital, they can be dropped off at the hospital book drop; located by the emergency entrance. Or you can contact Volunteer Resources to arrange a drop off. (204) 837-0368

Article by: Grace Hospital

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  • 3rd November 2017

     A Labour of Love

  • 17th June 2019

     Grace Hospital Foundation celebrates Pearl McGonigal for a Lifetime of Service

  • Emergency Department Now Open 14th June 2018

     Emergency Department Now Open

  • 17th June 2019

     Grace Hospital Foundation celebrates Pearl McGonigal for a Lifetime of Service

  • Emergency Department Now Open 14th June 2018

     Emergency Department Now Open

  • 3rd November 2017

     A Labour of Love

  • 3Fri, 03 Nov 2017 09:17:41 -050003 52017000America/Winnipeg11bAmerica/WinnipegFri, 03 Nov 2017 09:17:41 -0500 2017

     A Labour of Love

  • Emergency Department Now Open 143009 J00000011America/Winnipeg 2018

     Emergency Department Now Open

  • 173009 J00000011America/Winnipeg 2019

     Grace Hospital Foundation celebrates Pearl McGonigal for a Lifetime of Service

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2 days ago

Registration Link: https://www.gracehospitalfoundation.ca/all-event-list/ghf-radiothon/
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We wish to send out a special “Thank You” to each and every John Taylor Collegiate Youth In Philanthropy student who participated in the Grace Hospital Foundation Radiothon!
Your dedication to braving the wind that day to ensure fundraising continued for the sake of Grace patients was inspirational!
Keep up the great work!
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3 days ago

We wish to send out a special “Thank You” to each and every John Taylor Collegiate Youth In Philanthropy student who participated in the Grace Hospital Foundation Radiothon! 
Your dedication to braving the wind that day to ensure fundraising continued for the sake of Grace patients was inspirational! 
Keep up the great work!
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The students were so enthusiastic!

Over $1300 gathered by these young philanthropists

On behalf of the students, thank you very much for this opportunity! The students loved giving their time to help fundraise, and moreso, experience the valuable lessons of citizenship and social responsibility. It was heart-warming to see their enthusiasm and excitement! Thanks again to the Grace Hospital Foundation!

Trans Canada Brewing Co. has once again shown their personal support to the Grace Health Care Heroes! They brewed a special batch of America Pale Ale to be enjoyed by the Grace staff, and also came to help hand it out! We still have great memories of when they also made a similar gesture last year when they brewed a batch of Blue-Beary Ale for the Grace!
Thank you, again, Trans Canada Brewing Company, for your generosity and thoughtfulness!
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4 days ago

Trans Canada Brewing Co. has once again shown their personal support to the Grace Health Care Heroes! They brewed a special batch of America Pale Ale to be enjoyed by the Grace staff, and also came to help hand it out! We still have great memories of when they also made a similar gesture last year when they brewed a batch of Blue-Beary Ale for the Grace! 
Thank you, again, Trans Canada Brewing Company, for your generosity and thoughtfulness!
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