Above and Beyond Community Member Lorraine Finn stepping down after 33 years

If you have ever bought anything at the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary gift shop, had a mammogram, attended one of the areas massive Auxiliary Bingos, or sat one of the local healthcare boards of hospital, hospice, home support or foundation, you’ve probably encountered Lorraine Finn.  Over the years, Lorraine has been involved at SFMH and it’s local healthcare partners in many capacities and has been incredibly dedicated to the community hospital. Above: Lorraine Finn with SFMH Auxiliary plaques. Photo submitted.

However, Lorraine Finn is turning 80 years young this August and is now stepping back after serving as the Auxiliary President and Chief Cheerleader for local healthcare needs for 33 years.

“It’s been a great run and I can’t get over how time flies,” said Lorraine.  “It has been a real pleasure to be part of such a stellar institution and community group of volunteers.  I wish I could do it all over again!” 

She will be greatly missed as her contributions have been immense.  Lorraine is a shining example of an above and beyond community member that has made a real difference since she moved to the area many years ago.

Lorraine brought her experience as a past retired school Principal and the daughter of a shop owner when she took the reins of the Hospital Auxiliary and poured her heart and soul into raising money for the hospital.  The Auxiliary began fundraising long before the hospital was built.  In fact, their fundraising was instrumental to equip and pay for the hospital when it originally began in 1960.  The contributions of the Auxiliary have been paramount to the success of the hospital and it has raised over $1,000,000, all of which went directly into improving quality patient care in our community. 

While initially the Auxiliary’s role was fundraising, along the way it turned out that fundraising was a side note to the good deeds the Auxiliary team performed.  Auxiliary members are a supportive and caring presence in the hospital waiting room, a public ambassador in the community when they sold their raffle tickets or hosted bingos, and some of the best organizers of community events we have seen this side of the Valley.  With Lorraine rallying the auxiliary troops, that team has always known their contributions were welcomed and appreciated by staff, multiple Boards, Physicians and community. 

“Lorraine has always gone above and beyond the role of Auxiliary President. Her dedication over the years is truly humbling,” said Julia Boudreau, CEO of SFMH.  “In addition to raising funds for the hospital, Lorraine has been our unwavering ambassador, volunteer and supporter . . . and for all of these roles, we are truly grateful. While we are saddened to see her stepping down, we want to wish her all the best in her ‘retirement’ from SFMH!”

Presentation honouring Lorraine Finn. Above from left: Gregory McLeod SFMH COO, Julia Boudreau SFMH CEO, Lorraine Finn, Mary Ellen Harris SFMH CNO & Director Patient Care Services, Joanne King Chair SFMH Board of Directors. Photo submitted.

As the SFMH Auxiliary President, Lorraine sat on many committees and boards.  She currently sits on the SFMH board, the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) Board, Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) Board, Barry’s Bay and Area Home Support (BBAHS) Board and on the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC).  Each board and committee have benefitted from Lorraine’s commitment and her passion to help her community.  She has always been willing to step up and take on both small and huge tasks, and always with a positive can-do attitude.  Her passion is infectious, and she has led many others by example to do the same.  She has brought her humour, her wonderful laugh and smile, and her bottomless heart to each volunteer position she has held.  She has demonstrated incredible service and has been an exceptional leader for the auxiliary.  It is quoted, “Leadership is measured in the hearts of those that follow”, and Lorraine has captured the hearts of many. 

“As a community we have been so fortunate to have had Lorraine Finn as a Volunteer Champion, heading up the Hospital Auxiliary and volunteering on many local Health Boards,” noted Joanne King, Chair of the SFMH Board.  “Lorraine has always brought her boundless energy, sense of humour, compassion and enthusiasm to everything she participates in and she will be sorely missed.”

Lorraine Finn with gifts. Photo submitted.

Lorraine was, and is, a one-of-a-kind volunteer.  Many people just assumed Lorraine worked at the hospital because she spent so much time there.  She made a point of knowing everyone’s name and, even more lucrative to the gift shop’s bottom line, she knew what your favourite chocolate bar was, what type of Christmas ornament you collected, who in your family needed a baby gift and always made sure the gift shop was stocked with those items.  She ensured the SFMH gift shop was part of the “shop local” experience.  

As all things, change is inevitable, and Lorraine has made the decision to step down.  As the Auxiliary plays such an important role for SFMH, she and the hospital Administration are hopeful that someone will come forward to lead the gift shop so that patients and visitors have a warm welcoming person to help them during what can be a difficult or stressful time. 

Lorraine has given so much of herself to local healthcare and everyone at SFMH, SFVHF, MVHPC, BBAHS are so very grateful for everything she has done and wishes her all the best.  Thank you, Mrs. Finn.  Your healthcare family will truly miss you. 

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