Thank you Gus, from stamp club
Dear Editor: The Penticton & District Stamp Club have achieved their goal of raising $30,000 in just over three years for naming rights to a room in the new David E. Kampe Tower of Penticton Regional Hospital. This was accomplished under the direction of our recently deceased president, Gus Boersma.
With sadness, Gus was not able to attend, due to failing health, the handover being on Oct. 1 of the final cheque to Carey Bornn of the SOS Medical Foundation. Gus so looked forward to attending this event, but was still very proud of “his” club in accomplishing this feat under his watch.
Gus used to tell me of all the wonderful members of the public he would meet who came to him donating small and large quantities of stamps, used and new, Canada and world-wide. Gus spent many hours over the years sorting and lotting these stamp donations to maximize the returns from our Club Auctions and Sales to our members.
Gus became president in 2007, and except for one year, continued until this month. His energy and drive to raise money for Charities has resulted in more than $35,000 for eight charities. This is a remarkable legacy, and a challenge for our members with the help of donations from the general public.
Gus would not let the opportunity pass without asking the public for donations of stamp material, (through his letters to the editor), for our charitable fund raising efforts. Thus, if members of the public have stamp collections or miscellaneous accumulations of stamps they wish to donate, please call me, at 250-492-4301 and arrangements can be made for either drop off or pick up of the material.
On behalf of the club, thanks to all the public for their past support, our members for their herculean effort, and James Miller for promoting the stamp club by publishing letters to the editor, articles, and pictures of the many activities over the years during Gus’s leadership. Gus will be missed!
Harv Baessler, Treasurer Penticton & District Stamp Club