Auxiliaries

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Quite literally, without our Auxiliaries, some of our hospitals would not exist. In their early days, these dedicated ladies (originally most Auxiliaries were Ladies Aid Societies) raised the funds for hospital furniture, equipment, and even food items, to keep our fledgling hospitals going in several of our communities. Over the years, historical accounts document the fact that our Auxiliaries were prevailed upon by hospital trustees to provide vital funds to keep the doors open.

Not only were Auxilians providing day-to-day support in the hospital, they were influential arbiters of local society, and the Autumn Ball, or Annual Fair was a must-attend event. In their heyday during the 1940's and 50's, Junior Auxiliaries and branch Auxiliaries formed to provide hospital support, organize social and fundraising events, and form knitting and sewing circles. As more women began working outside the home, however, the membership of Auxiliaries began to decline, and today, the mainstay of our Auxiliaries are those no longer working or raising young children.

Another fairly recent evolution is the addition of men to the formerly womens-only ranks of Auxiliaries. Many of our Auxiliaries have changed their bylaws to reflect this, and men are now showing an interest in contributing to the work of the Auxiliaries.

The following provides a snapshot of the hard work and initiatives of our six Auxiliaries.

Douglas Memorial Hospital Auxiliary

Douglas Memorial Hospital opened in 1931 and in October of that year, a special meeting of the Colonel Kerby Chapter IODE was held to form a Hospital Auxiliary. Since then, the Fort Erie population has grown, and the Auxiliary continues to assist the staff, patients and visitors at DMH physically and financially.

Since 1968, the tuck shop, a combined gift shop and snack bar, has been managed and staffed by Auxiliary members and continues to be a second source of revenue after the Tree of Lights project. The Tree of Lights runs from Nov. 1 to the end of January to receive donations in honour of, or in memory of our loved ones. Money is raised for specific items needed at Douglas Memorial Hospital Site. 2005 marks the 12th year for this program. A total of almost $400,000 was raised by the previous 11 campaigns, thanks to the generosity of Fort Erie citizens.

Betty Learn, DMH Auxiliary President, says, "Every day I hear from patients that they love DMH. One reason is friendliness, the other is the personal caring of staff and volunteers. Volunteers are tireless in their efforts to make patients feel at ease. We listen, console and respect their confidence in all ways. During the SARS outbreak, when we were barred from the hospital, staff as well as patients, sorely missed us. We will continue providing funds to our hospital."

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Greater Niagara General Hospital Auxiliary

The women's hospital Auxiliary dates back the early years of the 1900's, when the Jepson Street hospital opened to serve Niagara Falls residents. Over the years, fundraising efforts gained momentum and in 1960 the Auxiliary began larger projects for GNGH, which by now, had opened the new hospital on Portage Road. In the 80's, the Auxiliary hit the $1 million mark of giving to the hospital. Around the same time, by-laws were rewritten to allow men as Auxilians and the Auxiliary committed to raise $462,800 for the GNGH Auxiliary Women's Health Centre. This was a gift that would ensure that the women of our community would have access to excellent health care. In recent years, efforts have been directed towards helping fund the new ER and the Auxiliary pledge now totals $1 million for this exciting project.

Margaret McWhirter, GNGH Auxiliary President, says, "We have a great group of women – 41 strong. Their organizational skills and efforts, with the help of the community, make our fundraising projects a success. Over the years, our Auxiliary has contributed $2.5 million to GNGH to improve the health care in our community."

Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital Auxiliary

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1920 to provide support to a cottage hospital located on Queen Street. When the current hospital was built in 1950, the Auxiliary continued its devoted work.

From 1996 to 2004, this group of dedicated volunteers has raised $78,000. As a result of fundraising efforts, many needed items are purchased for the annual capital equipment needs. The Auxiliary has equipped the Audiology Clinic, and subsidizes and maintains a Community Foot Care Clinic. An annual bursary is awarded to two students. Funds are raised through Annual Card parties, Musical Evenings, Fashion Shows, Books and Gift Sales and Garage Sales. In addition to fundraising, the group maintains the gardens in the rear of the hospital, giving a lot of pleasure to both patients and staff. Auxilians equip a trolley with toiletries, books, magazines and chocolates, which is circulated to patients daily.

Megan McEwan, President NOTL Hospital Auxiliary, says "The Auxiliary gives great assistance to the hospital with funds. Great assistance is also given (always with warmth and smiles ) when Auxilians do patients' hair, nails and make-up as part of the Brighten Your Day program, or enjoy a visit whilst taking the cart to the patients, or when wheeling a patient for physiotherapy, or creating the beautiful garden. Auxilians also reach out into the community when assisting in the Foot Care Clinic and installing Life Line equipment in peoples homes. I really feel that all members of our Auxiliary are very committed to improving the quality of life for those in our hospital and the wider community by each individual's efforts."

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Port Colborne General Hospital Auxiliary

The Port Colborne General Hospital Auxiliary was formed the in the late 1940's. During the two-day opening of the hospital in 1951, over 10,000 people visited the new hospital facilities and the Auxiliary served tea to about 3,600 people.

This hard-working group is always looking for ways to raise money for Port Colborne General Hospital. In addition to running the Gift Shop, some projects have been Bake Sales, Bazaars, Spring Yard Sale, and a very successful BBQ & Bake Sale on the hospital front lawn. Recently, the Auxiliary conducted a great fundraiser that started with the donation of a watercolour painting by a Port Colborne artist. A draw was carried out over the summer months at Food Basics and raised over $1,200. Planning is now underway for a Penny Sale. To date, contributions have totaled over $400,000 for Pt. Colborne General Site.

Evelyn Goodings, President PCGH Auxiliary, says, "Our Auxiliary is closely associated with the day-to-day work in the hospital – it is important to keep our staff happy and provide them with much-needed equipment to make their jobs easier and give them more time to spend with the patients. It is nice to hear laughter in the halls and see smiles from the patients. Health care is very important to our aging community and we must ensure that we do all we can to make our community and residents safe and healthy."

St. Catharines General Hospital Auxiliary

The St. Catharines General Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1865 and has the distinction of being one of the oldest hospital auxiliaries in North America. In the early days, not only did Auxilians can fruit for the hospital kitchen, but assisted in identifying patients in St. Catharines who were in need of hospital care, but couldn't afford it.

Today, the main goal of the Auxiliary focuses on fundraising. Through the hospital stores, bazaars, mini- bazaars, bake sales, just to name a few, the Auxiliary has raised funds to purchase hospital equipment. Records show that from 1946-2005, over $4 million has been raised. In September 2005, members approved additional funding for a list of priority hospital equipment totalling $259,358.

The Auxiliary plays a very important role in the day-to-day activities within the hospital. Not only are they busy raising funds, they have Auxiliary members greeting patients upon their arrival to the hospital, a library cart, shopping cart, members getting patients fresh drinking water – all for the benefit of the patients. On different days of the week, you will find the sewing group, flower ladies and knitting group working in the Auxiliary activity room. The Auxiliary members wear their smocks with pride throughout the hospital.

Welland Hospital Auxiliary

Formed in 1945, the Auxiliary dedicates it efforts to fundraising in support of Welland Hospital Site. Over the years, the Auxiliary has increased the amount of support substantially, and recently completed a $750,000 pledge to renovate the ICU. The Auxiliary just announced it is the lead donor of $1 million towards the permanent Dialysis Unit at Welland Site. Fundraising is accomplished through the highly-successful gift shop and Nevada ticket sales.

Sharon Connelly, President Welland Hospital Auxiliary, says, "Our Auxiliary depends on the Gift Shop to raise funds, and when we're working there, we really get to know the hospital staff. Our members and our volunteers are very committed to raising the funds for the Dialysis project. Without the community's support, we wouldn't have the services and equipment that we depend on available in our hospital today."

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