Anne Rodschat has been a volunteer with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary for 42 years.

She moved to Merritt from Germany 47 years ago and has become quite familiar with the community over the years.

When she began volunteering she was a single mother with three small children.

She started doing the children’s section at the thrift shop and enjoyed seeing customers coming in and getting something special for their kids.

The smile on the children’s faces when they received something from the thrift shop always made her day.

In addition to doing the children’s section, Anne has also been the thrift shop convenor twice.

She has seen the thrift shop evolve over time, moving locations and expanding its store space.

Anne is very happy to see the growing support that it has received over the years.

When Anne’s youngest daughter was 4 years old she would come to the thrift shop with her.

Her daughter later became a hospital candy striper and then as an adult, began working as a nurse at the hospital in Merritt.

Today, Anne’s daughter is a pharmacy manager in Seattle.

It has brought Anne a lot of joy to see her daughter spending time at the thrift shop as a child and continuing her interest in health care as she grew up.

Anne has contributed immensely to the Auxiliary in her time as a volunteer and her commitment is greatly appreciated.