Auxiliary

Purpose of the Hospital Auxiliary:

• To raise funds for any expenditure for capital equipment as recommended by the Administrator. 
• To facilitate good public relations between the hospital and the community. 
• To encourage and sustain among members an interest in medically related fields. 

The Auxiliary began in 1958 prior to the St. Joseph’s General Hospital being built. The first meeting was held in the Central Ave. Public School with many women that were interested in getting the Hospital up and running. At the time, there was a sewing committee that produce various articles of clothing including hospital gowns. We have had many presidents and executive members of the course of our history but only one treasurer. Isn’t that amazing?

Our Auxiliary was for many years involved with the provincial Auxiliaries until just recently when it was disbanded. A few years ago our Auxiliary hosted a conference at the Laurentian Lodge which was well received by all members of the larger organization.

Over the years the Auxiliary’s purpose has changed except for one item – to raise funds for any capital equipment that the Administrator has listed. There are two ways that funds are raised – through the gift shop and through various events. One of the more popular events in the Cranberry Scones and Tea which is usually held in December with the hospital doctors and administrators serving. There are several dinners held at various times of the year including the Olde Fashioned Turkey Dinner and the Italian dinner. In addition, there is a Tag Day in May where one particular piece of equipment is selected for fundraising on that day. We’ve also had licensed draws including 50/50 and meat packages. Every little bit helps. Our costs are kept low as our members volunteer to supply either food items or their time to assist in any event.  

The main fundraiser is our gift shop. Since the shop has opened there have been many volunteers that have given their time to serve. Up to the closure of the gift shop during the pandemic, a highly skilled team of B. Farquhar, M. Johnstone, D. Parsons,  and J. Gorman. These women have raised well over $200,000 over their tenure. Such dedication!

The gift shop re-opened in April to staff and patients. The soft opening produced excellent results and we are now moving forward in obtaining funds that will be accumulated once again for capital equipment. It is hoped that this fall we will be able to host different events and our commitment to the Hospital can be fulfilled.