The Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store helps generate funds for the hospice society to continue providing support and care to patients and loved ones dealing with end of life experience, grief and mourning.
Situated on the corner of Dewdney Trunk Road and 224th Street (behind Haney Sewing and Sound), the store is run by Paige Charron, thrift store coordinator.
Feb. 5 started as a normal day in the store with Paige, two part-time staff, and several of our amazing volunteers who dedicate their time to helping us to operate the store, and generate those vital funds used to carry out our programs.
During the afternoon of that day, a mother with her three young children, a boy of three, and two other children around four and six years of age, were just outside the thrift store door when the youngest child collapsed, could not breathe, his complexion and lips started to turn blue.
The mother was is a state of panic with fear for her child.
While a customer dialed 911, three of the thrift store volunteers sprung into action.
Anne McNamara and Helen Donnelly whisked the two other children inside the store, led them to the toy section, where they reassured the frightened youngsters, read books to them and provided toys to keep their minds off what was happening outside.
A third volunteer, Keith Gibson, recognized immediately the need to clear the boy’s airway, checking for breath and a pulse.
Keith is now retired, but has a background, and training in providing first-aid.
The boy had neither breath nor pulse.
Keith performed CPR, which resuscitated the child, making him cough up phlegm.
Keith turned the boy onto his side into the recovery position, by which time the paramedics had arrived to take charge of the sick boy.
We have since heard from the emergency services that the boy is OK.
Things could have turned out much worse if not for the quick thinking actions of Keith, and support of his fellow volunteers Anne and Helen.
The Ridge Meadows Hospice Society is a non-profit registered charity that relies on teams of dedicated volunteers to help deliver our programs, and support our fundraising events, such as the Vistas Run and Walk on May 12, 2013.
We proudly showed our appreciation to Keith, Helen and Anne by presenting them with certificates in recognition of their commendable action.
Mark Vosper
Executive Director
Ridge Meadows Hospice Society