Hospitals Auxiliary Honours 75 Candy Stripers
Seventy-five candy stripers were recognised for their commitment and service at the annual Candy Striper Award Ceremony held on Saturday [Jan 6] in the First Floor Conference Room at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
A spokesperson said, “The candy striper service is one of the programs run by the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda [HAB]. Saturday’s award ceremony was the first since the Covid pandemic and was therefore larger than previous years with participants from 2020, 2021 and 2022. [Candy stripers from 2023 will be recognised in an awards ceremony held later this year.] In addition to the candy stripers, their parents, HAB executive and CEO of Bermuda Hospitals Board, Scott Pearman, also attended.
“HAB President Pat Cerra, Vice President Glen Gibbons and Treasurer Diana Downs, welcomed and thanked the candy stripers for their service. They also presented the awards which included stripes for hours served [50, 75, 100 and 150-hour stripes were presented], and pins for outstanding service.”
Mr Cerra stated: “I congratulate you all and thank you for being a part of our volunteer program.”
Mr Pearman stated: “It is encouraging to see your interest in in volunteering, and as CEO of the hospital I’m even more excited that you’ve chosen to volunteer here. I hope this interest stays with you and that the experience you’ve had here inspires you to pursue a career in health care. I look forward to you returning as future members of our team.
“On behalf of the entire Bermuda Hospitals Board family I thank the Hospitals Auxiliary for providing the Candy Striper Program. The Auxiliary is a vital BHB partner, and we truly value the services your executive, staff and all your volunteer members, both male and female, provide us. We also acknowledge and thank you for the medical equipment funding you provide us every year. These donations make it possible for us to improve our service for the entire Bermuda public. We have enjoyed this relationship with the HAB for decades and look forward to this continued collaboration for decades to come.”
The spokesperson said, “In addition to stripes and pins, the following awards were presented.
The HAB Penny Ray Achievement Award – Head Candy Striper
“Penny Cox presented Chrishante’ Dill this award naming her Head Candy Striper for the 2023/2024 year. Chrishante’ joined the program in 2020 alongside 29 other students. From the group of 30 she was chosen based on her outstanding work commitment, her volunteer hours and her overall excellent attitude in her interaction with her peers, volunteers and supervisors.
Proficiency Awards
“Six proficiency awards were presented for 2023. These awards are given to those who demonstrate outstanding work commitment and hours to the program. Those receiving these awards started in the year group 2021 – however – due to COVID did not actually start duties until 2022. The award selection was made in August 2023 and was based on hours volunteered up until that date.
“Awardees were:
- Malaysia Johnson – 153 hours
- Azaria Greaves – 101 ½ hours
- Jordan Mallory – 98 hours
- Azari Kelly – 75 hours
- Kemauri Darrell – 70 hours
- Dominique Brown – 63 hours
“Each of these young ladies will be considered for the Head Striper award, to be awarded later this year.
“The HAB takes in approximately, 50 students annually. Currently 104 are active participants in the program. Forty are on the waiting list to start in 2024.
“Interested young men and women can apply in writing. Applicants must apply before their 14th birthday. Email jane.wright@bhb.bm for an application.”
