Bragg Creek Ladies Auxillary Celebrates 60 Years
With hearts of gold and an unfailing can-do attitude, the members of the Bragg Creek Ladies Auxiliary have led with kindness and empathy in service to their community for 60 uninterrupted years. The BCLA was formed in 1960 and the original members were Margaret Sanders, Mabel Stinson, Joan Dunford, Eva Fullerton, Mary McLeod, Jacqueline Robinson and Joan Merryfield. Their intention was to serve Bragg Creek through a variety of community building initiatives. Joan Merryfield, a district reporter for the Rockyview News and Market Examiner weekly newspaper, provided up to date news on all things Bragg Creek including the Ladies Auxillary. Initially, it was referred to as the Ladies Auxillary to the Bragg Creek Community Association.
During the 1960s and 70s the group kept their calendar full with a variety of events and activities including get- acquainted coffee parties, bake sales & bazaars where members made items to sell, fundraising quilt-making projects, spring teas, Christmas suppers. In October 1971, Mrs. Merryfield reported that the Ladies Auxillary had raised funds to furnish the old community hall with a fridge and stove for the kitchen as well as new countertops. They also made curtains for the hall. During the 1990s, the Ladies continued to assist those in need and in October 1992, the Ladies held a community Potluck Supper for Winnie and Jimmy McLusky when they lost their home to fire. Various items were donated for a raffle to raise much-needed funds for the couple. The Ladies also continued to have fun with such activities as Christmas Light Tours in Calgary, the Christmas Dinner and Dance, fashion shows, guest speakers including award-winning travel photographer Carol Paterson.
Over the years, the Ladies Auxillary continued to introduce new events in response to the changing needs of their community. The Ladies are well known for catering services for local events including funeral receptions, community dances, the BCCA Fall Supper and the Remembrance Day Services. In recent years the group has provided financial support to other community organizations including Banded Peak School, Redwood Meadows Fire Department, Camp Horizon and many more. They have also assisted with funding of equipment for the community centre such as bear proof garbage cans, a defibrillator and a commercial refrigerator for the kitchen. They also make every effort to reach out to families who may need a helping hand with any situation.
To their credit the BCLA has remained resilient and responsive to the ongoing and ever-changing needs of the community. Five-year BCLA member, Jana Hart, captured the essence of the group best when she said, “I enjoy helping to make Bragg Creek a great community to live in. Any event that brings a group of neighbours together is important and enjoyable. I enjoy the fundraisers we have been involved in such as the Beach Party which helps BCCA, as well as community events such as the Remembrance Day ceremonies and memorial services which we provide food for. Also, helping out individual families or groups in need is crucial for a healthy community.”
What does the future hold for BCLA especially during these uncertain times of COVID-19? Rest assured that this group has the staying power to continue enriching life in Bragg Creek and is currently supporting families in need with help from a kind local donor. These go-getters are consummate team players who will always be prepared to provide ongoing supporting to their much-loved community. For more information on the Bragg Creek Ladies Auxillary go to www.braggcreekca.com under “Community Groups”.
Submitted by Peggy Kemp,
Bragg Creek Historical Society
