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HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY HISTORY
HISTORY OF THE
Did you know that Women's Hospital Auxiliaries are one of the largest women's organizations in
Volunteers began helping in hospitals in
In early days in order to join volunteer service you were expected to contribute a dozen jars of home-made jam, jelly and pickles. The only actual work volunteers and nurses alike were expected to do was search the hospital for cockroaches and clean out the chicken coop.
Although we cannot help but be amused by the early work that was done by volunteers, they were fulfilling a need then, as we are now, 365 years later.
We must not forget the Afternoon group of Women's Auxiliary members, who worked diligently since the Hospital opened as a Red Cross Outpost in 1948. These ladies worked every Tuesday afternoon making dressings and mending numerous articles coming out of the laundry each week. The work of these ladies saved the Hospital Board untold dollars and earned their grateful thanks.
The first meeting of the now present Huntsville District Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was held November 16th, 1955. Chaired by Mrs. Christine Lough, an executive was elected with Mrs. Eileen Quantrell as President. Mrs. Erma Tipper as Vice President, Mrs. Marge Flannery as Secretary, Mrs. Kay Giaschi as Treasurer, Mrs. Beryl Bell as Corresponding Secretary and Mrs. Cockram as Hospitality Convener. Already Dr. L.C. Gallaugher, on behalf of the Hospital, was asking for help in acquiring equipment urgently needed by the Hospital. This was the year, that on special occasions, favours brightened up the patients' trays, and the Auxiliary began placing a decorated Christmas tree in each patient's room.
In 1956 the Auxiliary joined the Provincial Hospital Association and also our first Bridge Party was held. This was the year a Sunshine Cart was built and became the fore-runner of our present Gift Shop.
1957 we staff telephones in the evening during the summer months and began our June meeting in the form of a pot-luck supper.
1958. The McConnell Foundation sent a cheque to the Auxiliary for $200 and we were privileged to receive this donation for four consecutive years. We began our Annual Tag Day and collected the sum of $330.57.
1959. All new-born babies were given pink or blue booties which had been knitted by the Auxiliary members. This was the year we began scheduling volunteers to work in the Gift Shop. We answered telephones again during the summer months and donated the sum of $1,537.00 in equipment to the Hospital.
1960. Dances were held as well as raffles, rummage sales and 'bake-less' bake sales. The Auxiliary's gift to the Hospital has averaged almost $2,000 in past years.
1961 saw the Auxiliary use spruce cones to make a very special tag this year. With thirty-two active members we raised $3942.70. We also had the distinction of having more money-making ideas and profits than any other Auxiliary in Region No. 3.
1962. The Hospital Board invited the Auxiliary President to attend Board meetings as the Auxiliary representative. $4,587.50 was presented to the Board in order to help with the expenses of the new Hospital wing.
1963. On July 1st the new Gift Shop opened in conjunction with the new wing of the Hospital. After raising money with dances, rummage sales, tag day, Strawberry tea, card party and a lecture, we were able to present a cheque for $1,300 to the Board.
1964. The Gift Shop set up their own book-keeping arrangements and had their own Treasurer. The Auxiliary had their first band concert and began delivering corsages to the patients and chocolates to the Nurses, on Christmas morning. $1,093 was our donation this year.
1965. An Auxilian was appointed to see to the banking needs of patients in the chronic wing.
Our donation this year was $1,000.
1966. Eileen Quantrell was named our first Life-time member of the Hospital Auxiliary. We held a Pot-luck supper for Auxilians and Volunteers to celebrate our 10th anniversary. $1,294 was presented to the Hospital Board.
1967. A Centennial Crabtree was planted in the Hospital grounds, a similar action was performed by all other Auxiliaries in the Province. $1,449 was donated towards equipment.
1968. Forty-eight members worked on twelve money-raising projects in order to present the Hospital Board with a cheque in the amount of $2,490.
In 1968 there were 217 Auxiliaries in
1969. Dominion Store tapes were being saved to purchase a television for the Hospital. The Auxiliary instigated the "no card" system. Previously, visitors were given a card before visiting, as Hospital policy permitted only two visitors at a time. Continuous visiting hours began in May. In June an insurance policy was purchased to cover all Auxilians while engaged in Hospital Auxiliary activities. Teenagers staffed the Gift Shop for the summer weekends. September 25, 1969, saw the Auxiliary host the District Conference in
1970 saw the opening of each meeting with the Auxiliary prayer. This year we began the first class of Candy Stripers with twelve teenagers. In-service hospital work was also begun with an Auxilian working in Medical Records and X-ray. $1,000 was our donation this year. Marathon bridge is held by a group of ladies in
1971. Fund-raising activities were continued and a cheque for $3,000 was presented to the Hospital Board.
1972. The first Candy Striper Capping took place with four girls receiving their 50-hour caps. In April the Auxiliary did the field work on the advisability of starting Meals-on-Wheels and in November this project began. In May we were involved with the National Disaster Plan exercises. A Hair care programme was began on a once a week plan for long term patients. A float was entered in the Cavalcade of Colour parade, which was a fun event and a change from our usual fund-raising activities. A plaque is to be donated to a student at the High School Graduation who qualifies and has shown great proficiency in the Girl's Basic Technical course in Hospital Services and Home Nursing in Grade 9 or 10.
1973. A monthly newsletter was began. The Candy Stripers were re-named Volunteens as boys are now being accepted into the programme. $3,000 was given to kick-off the building campaign and $500 was given for equipment.
1974. A special presentation was made to our first Volunteen for achieving 500 hours of volunteer work. For the first time, patients were treated to a glass of sherry as well as tea, coffee and cookies for their Christmas party. A cheque for $2,000 was presented to be used to purchase a treadmill and a cheque for $1,500 was presented towards the Building Fund.
1975. Membership in the Auxiliary has increased to 51. The Volunteen programme has changed the name back to Candy Stripers. Each girl upon leaving the programme will keep her hat and pin as a memento of the volunteer work done in the Hospital. In the first year of operation, the Gift Shop showed a loss of $106.79, but since that time it has steadily increased its profits to over $3,000 for this year. The Building Fund $1,000 and $3,888 was given to the Hospital Board.
1976. The Hospital Auxiliary held a Dessert Party at the Seniors' Centre instead of our usual Open House. We were able to entertain seniors, volunteers and candy stripers for their many hours of help over the past years. A Snowflake Fashion Show and Tea was held in place of the Bazaar. $900 was given to the Hospital Board for equipment.
1977. Patients were permitted to watch TV in the lounge or in your own room (if you brought in your own personal set).
1978 saw the doors closing of the old hospital at 7.30 a.m. and the opening of the new hospital simultaneously in the north end of town. This move prohibited the patients from bringing in their own televisions, so the Auxiliary began renting TV's to patients. This project is still a very popular one today. The Director of Nursing has requested a volunteer for Central Supply two days a week. This request and patient visiting will be considered on a regular basis. Cigarette sales were discontinued due to new regulations in the Hospital. The first baby born in the new Hospital, Megan, daughter of Brenda and James Walker, was presented with a silver bank in the shape of a duck. Pictures of new-born babies will be taken by the Auxiliary as a new idea for raising money. The Auxiliary presented a $10,000 cheque to the Board upon the opening of the new Hospital and over $2,000 towards equipment.
1979. The Fall Conference for Region 3 was held in
cheque at their annual meeting.
1980. The Auxiliary celebrated its 25th Anniversary on October 1st, with a dinner at Grandview Farms. Ten Past Presidents were able to attend this function. Mr. Bill Nickalls, Chairman of the Hospital Board, told the group: "On behalf of the Directors of the Hospital, I'd like to thank the Auxiliary for the past 25 years and for your next 25 years". Our first Blood Donor Clinic was held and a grand total of 250 pints' was reached. $13,000 was presented to the Hospital Board to be put towards the Obstetrics Wing.
1981. The Auxiliary presented the Hospital Board with a $13,000 cheque and also a commitment of $3,000 for Fairvern. Once again, this money was raised through our usual fund-raising activities ranging from TV rentals to Bridge parties. Hospital Day was special awards going to some of our Candy Stripers for 500 and 750 hours of service. The Auxiliary hand-crafted a quilt which was raffled off. This proved to be such a success that it was decided to do it again in the future.
1982. The Auxiliary presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Fairvern Fund to be used towards the Gift Shop in the newly remodelled facility. In October, the Auxiliary presented a $10,000 cheque to the Administrator of the Hospital. A Coffee Party was held to personally thank our volunteers as "we couldn't do it without them".
1983. Say "Cheese, please" became the Auxiliary's slogan when it undertook the selling of cheeses as a unique way of raising money. Many of the 'old faithful' fund-raisers were continued, enabling the Auxiliary to donate $18,000 to the Board at their Annual Meeting.
1984. The Auxiliary continued with their fund-raising events, allowing them to make the "highest donation ever". The Auxiliary were very proud to present the Board with a $20,000 cheque.
1985. A special attraction at the Christmas Tea was the dressing of fifteen dolls in different costumes. Visitors to the Bazaar were eager to purchase raffle tickets and all enjoyed the finished products. The twenty-three Candy Stripers are still very much involved in the hospital routine and six were presented with pins for serving more than 150 hours. Sena Snowden became Chairman of Region 3 at the Region 3 Conference. The Auxiliary had a gazebo built and screened in for the Hospital. $22,000 was the contribution this year.
1986. Male porters began assisting in the Hospital wherever needed. The Auxiliary began raising money through the selling of a Bi-centennial book entitled "Loyal She Remains". A Western Days Bake Sale and Big Band dance were held. Hospital Day was celebrated with tours of the Hospital along with a display of "Days Gone By" featuring instruments, medical bags, uniforms and caps from previous years. A cheque for $22,000 was presented to the Hospital Foundation.
1987. The Hospital Auxiliary Region 3's Annual Spring Conference, hosted by the Huntsville Auxiliary, was held at
1988. Male porters have increased to six and their help is found in many more corners of the Hospital. We now have Teen Volunteers, for we have been fortunate enough to have two male students join the group this year. Auxiliary awards were presented to four ladies at our June dinner meeting. and a Red Cross award was presented to that committee. The Auxiliary gave $16,000 to the Hospital Foundation.
1989. The Auxiliary used the proceeds from our annual Tag Day to purchase an addition for Resusci-Annie's family to be used in the teaching of C.P.R. With the $3,300 raised we were able to purchase an 'adult', a 'son' as well as a 'baby'. A cheque of $19,000 was given to the Hospital Foundation to purchase an automatic coagulation machine for the Laboratory Department of the Hospital.
1990. The Auxiliary became involved in a new venture, the Friends of the Library and Sports-Rec. selling Nevada tickets in the Huntsville Place Mall.
$26,751 was given to the Hospital Foundation to purchase equipment for the Hospital
1991. The Auxiliary presented "A Breath of Scotland", a new project for us and one that was very much enjoyed by the audience. In keeping with the evening, Scottish shortbread was sold at intermission. A Giant Garage Sale was held in July. A cheque for $33,000 was given to the Hospital Foundation to purchase a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.
1992. Mission Statement. "In co-operation with the Hospital and Board of Directors, we support health care at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital through education, fund-raising opportunities, and the promotion of volunteer services to people".
A "Tour of Christmas Homes" was a new, exciting and profitable fund-raiser. The homes were beautifully decorated with the help of our local florists and the weather was perfect - a skiff of snow on the ground with cold crystal air and bright sunshine. Christmas music was performed in the homes. The Auxiliary assisted with the Winter Wonderfest and realized 20% of the ticket sales. $53,000 was presented to the Hospital Foundation this year "to build a new Scope Room and provide a washer and cart for the maintenance and sterility of the scopes.
1993. The Auxiliary welcomed back "A Breath of Scotland" and once again this was a great money raiser. Our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held in May and with the help of some local entertainers was a real success. "Muffins for Health" is a new fund-raiser this year and is proving to be very well received. Mall sales are very good. We began our commitment to the Radiology Equipment Fund by presenting a cheque for $55,000 to the Hospital Foundation.
1994. Region 3 Spring conference held in Huntsville. $60,000 donated to the Hospital Foundation.
1995. To celebrate the 40th Anniversary a dinner-dance was held at the Huntsville Community Centre. The Auxiliary members help in the following areas of the hospital:- gift shop, information desk in the hospital lobby, chiropody, chemotherapy, portering, blood donor clinics, telephones, gyneacology clinic, hair care, tray favours, knitting, TV rentals, books, visitor programme, physiotherapy and foundation office. The Auxiliary also runs the following fund-raising programmes; lottery tickets, muffin sales, tag day, card party, Christmas event, bake and book sale and pop and coffee machines. A total of $23,285 was given to the Foundation which included $5,000 for the Mammography unit.
1996. The Teen Volunteen programme was cancelled as there was no Volunteer Co-ordinator.
A new fund-raiser was introduced, the sale of muffins and cookies. It was also decided to pay for a Director of Volunteers and it was advised that applications would be considered. June Tebby appointed Director of Volunteers. Donations to the foundation were $8,299.73 for equipment, $5,000 for the Mammography unit and $5,000 for Fairvern.
1997. As June Tebby resigned as Director of Volunteers in March of 1997, Lorrie Lamb was appointed in May 1997. Applicious Tea and Christmas House Tour were some of the fund-raisers for this year. $81,477.99 plus $5,000 (Mammography Unit) was donated this year.
1998. In September the Auxiliary celebrated the re-location of the Gift Shop to the Hospital Lobby, Bill Ball, Hospital Board Chair and Bruce Laughton CEO performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to the "Branches" gift shop. $58,439.33 plus $5,000 (Mamm. Unit) was donated.
1999. The Auxiliary launched a "Cook Book" as a fund-raiser. Another fund-raiser was the selling of "Gingerbread cookies" kits at the Mall and at Robinsons. $52,626.95 plus $5,000 (Mamm unit.) was donated.
2000. A Spring Luncheon was held in March and "Breath of Scotland" was held in April. The Auxiliary celebrated its 45th Anniversary with a cake in the Cafeteria. Our donation this year was $42,298.21 plus $5,000. The Auxiliary has raised $725,000 over the past 45 years, which has been used to purchase equipment for the Hospital.
2001. Total in Hospital hours volunteered 13,994.5. Total donation to hospital $118,347.44 which included $30,000 for the Mammography Unit.
New fund-raisers "Cookie Delight" and "Guess who's coming to dinner". Net profit of the Cookie Delight was $4,170.00.
2002. A new venture was tried, the selling of uniforms to the hospital staff but had to be cancelled by September. Scrub suits are still being sold in the Gift Shop. $9,490 was donated towards furniture and equipment for the Physio Dept. We were saddened by the death of our President, Norma Sereres. Monies raised from our fund-raising events were accumulated to be used towards the CT Scan.
2003 Fund-raisers this year included a Plant sale, bulb sale, Quilt Show and Cookie Delight.
During April the Hospital was closed due to SARS. In May a motion was made that we pledge $50,000 per year over 6 years for a total of $300,000 for equipment for the Endoscopy Suite of the new Day Surgery. It was agreed that all monies raised during 2002/2003 for the CT Scan be re-designated towards the Day Surgery. Two scholarships of $500 each are presented by the Auxiliary annually, one to a HHS student and one to a member of staff who are pursuing further education in the health sciences field. Ann Hutley made the first approach towards bringing the Dragon Boat Races to Huntsville. In November she found a partner in the "Sunrisers" Rotary club.
June Gibson was elected as the Region 3 chairperson.
2004. Fund raisers included 'The Lloyd Dennis' show, Senior's Fair, Plant Sale, House Tour and the Dragon Boat Races in partnership with the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Rotary club the "Sunrisers". In October a cheque for $100,000 was presented to the Foundation Office as part of our pledge for the Day Surgery.
2005. Fund-raisers were "Family Jamboree" at the ski club, Dofasco Men's Chorus, Plant Sale, bulb sale, Card party, Tag Day, our second Dragon Boat Races and the Christmas Cookie Delight. In April we hosted the Spring Conference for Region 3. This ended June Gibson's term as Chairman of Region 3, and started her term as Past Chairman. Our 50th anniversary was celebrated with a dinner and entertainment at the Holiday Inn in October and in November a celebration was held in the Cafeteria where our cheque for $100,000 was presented as part of our pledge for the Day Surgery. We now have $100,000 left in our commitment.
2006. Our second "Family Jamboree" was held in January, other fund-raisers were, a Card Party, Plant sale, Tag Day, Dragonboat races, "A Day with Audrey Grant" which included a lunch and bridge lessons, the House Tour and the Christmas Cookie Delight.
We were very excited to win the Chamber of Commerce's award for "Best Tourist Business" of the year, for the Dragonboat races, and the HAAO photo contest for the "Fund-raiding" portion, this with a photograph of a group of us with the "Dragon". We discontinued our TV programme as this was taken over by a private company. Several members took part in a "Car Wash" with proceeds going to the Auxiliary to be used for the Chemo Dept. Several members took part in the Focus Groups held in the Hospital regarding the amalgamation with the Bracebridge Hospital. In October we presented the final $100,000 of our pledge to the Day Surgery.
2007. The Auxiliary nominated Ruth Newell for an Ontario Seniors' Award, and in May at the Mark O'Meara Golf Club, she was presented with a certificate and volunteer pin, for her 50 years of volunteering with the Auxiliary. A Blood Pressure monitor was purchased for the Chemo Department with proceeds from the Car Wash that was held in 2006, a bequest from deceased member Marlene Nischan and her husband and a donation from the Deerhurst Lakeside Golf Ladies.
Fundraisers included a Card Party, plant sale, Tag Day, Dragonboat Races and Cookie Delight. In March, a monthly column in the Forester was started. Several members attended the Spring Conference in Orangeville travelling together by bus. After 16 years, the HLS lottery came to an end, our final cheque of $3,085.55 was received.
An Auxiliary jacket was introduced - beige with Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary embroidered on it.
2008. This year saw the introduction of two new fund-raisers. A Spring Fashion Show and a Chocolate & Dessert fantasy. Eleven stores in
2009. The Auxiliary was saddened by the death of Provincial Life Member Sena Snowden, a very active member for thirty-nine years and HAAO Region 3 chair for a two year term. A commitment of $250,000 wad made to support the Digital Imaging Initiative’s new Mammography Suite. The Auxiliary’s donation is acknowledged by a large bill-board at the entrance to the new parking lot. Marion Carswell, Peggy Hern, Ann Hutley, Diane Litchfield, Joan McCaw and Marion White were honoured for more than thirty years as hospital volunteers at the