Long-time Burnaby resident celebrates decades of support with a planned gift
Reine Hitchen is a long-time and proud resident of Burnaby, British Columbia who has an active life in the community. Beyond raising her family of three, all of whom were born in Burnaby Hospital, Reine flourished in a long career in financial services with Scotiabank. After a rewarding career and the satisfaction of seeing her children grow into productive citizens with their own families and interests, Reine entered retirement with the hope of writing another exciting chapter in her life.
Reine’s post-retirement journey involves her passion for volunteering, which brought her to a volunteering position with the Auxiliary to Burnaby Hospital, as well as a leadership role at her church. The mandate of the Auxiliary to Burnaby Hospital was to raise funds solely for medical equipment and has raised almost $3 million in support of Burnaby Hospital over multiple decades.
During her time with the Auxiliary, Reine, along with her friend and colleague Delcie Hennig, spearheaded the opening and operation of the hospital’s successful gift shop, which was a part of Burnaby Hospital for decades.
Reine shares her gratitude for Burnaby Hospital and for her surgeon, Dr. Serink who performed multiple knee surgeries that allowed her to maintain an active and fulfilling life. Family and community hold a strong importance in her life and her way of contributing is through donating her time, talents and monetary gifts to the causes that she holds dear. In addition, being a prudent investor, Reine is pleased to make annual gifts of shares, which have provided vital funds used to purchase medical equipment for Burnaby Hospital.
“Burnaby Hospital’s medical teams are second to none,” Reine says. They have been there for me and my family whenever we were in need of medical assistance. Also, like many in the community, I am so thrilled that soon there will be a revitalized Burnaby Hospital. It is what many of us [at the Auxiliary] have been working [towards] for decades and it is very satisfying to see everyone come together to ensure this transformational redevelopment. It is what we do in Burnaby, we look after each other.”
Moreover, Reine’s enthusiasm and dedication to Burnaby Hospital Foundation is a welcome presence at events. Her continuing involvement provides moral and financial support for special projects. It was a true delight for Reine when her son Bruce began to direct technical production of Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s annual fundraising gala. “I have always taught my children to give back and it means so much to me to see them do that,” Reine shares.
Over several decades, Reine has continued her leadership giving to Burnaby Hospital and when she made her estate plans, she thought it only fitting to include a gift for the organization that she has supported for so long.
