» History
The St. Joseph's General Hospital Auxiliary as it was once known began in Blind River in 1961. The first woman to hold the position of President was Mary St. Pierre. The new group became very involved in the community hosting a number of fundraising activities including: fashion shows and card parties. Over the years, the Auxiliary has been involved in many bake sales, auctions, pie sales, rummage sales, penny sales, draws, and plant sales to keep busy.
To help raise funds, a tuck cart and showcase were donated to the Auxiliary by Mr. & Mrs. Marg Hagar. Many members volunteered their time and provided items to be sold on the cart. As the tuck cart made its way from room to room, a little word of comfort or a bright cheery greeting helped many patients through their time in the hospital.
In 1978, Mrs. Marg Hagar opened the first Gift Shop at St. Joseph's General Hospital. The Gift Shop would become a popular destination for patients and visitors alike. The Gift Connection, as it is now known, remains operating and staffed by Auxiliary volunteers to this date.
Each year, funds are raised and donated to the Health Centre to aid in the purchase of new equipment. A food warmer to keep food hot from the kitchen to the patient was the first hospital equipment to be purchased by the Auxiliary. Other equipment purchases included: electrolyte machine (1968), Dictaphone Intercommunication System (1969), X-Ray Cone, Heart Monitor (1982), Microscope, Hospital Beds, Combination Power Mower & Snow Blower, I.V. Pump, and more. The Blind River District Health Centre Auxiliary continues to assist in the purchasing of medical equipment.
In 2011, the Auxiliary will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary.
» Purpose
The purpose of the BRDHC Auxiliary has always been to assist the Health Centre in providing support to the patients and staff.
A face in the community, the BRDHC Auxiliary is involved in a number of activities. The BRDHC Auxiliary sponsors the Blood Donor Clinic in Blind River and supplies volunteer staff. The Tree of Lights campaign has become a community event to memorialize loved ones and celebrate the Christmas season.
Within the Health Centre, the Auxiliary provides support through friendly visits to Golden Birches Terrace as well as bringing to the residents a sample of the products sold in the gift shop. The members of the Auxiliary also tend the garden in the Long Term Care Unit.
Did you know? BRDHC Auxiliary members provide upwards of 6,000 volunteer hours every year!
» Fundraising Achievements:
- Health Centre Equipment Fund.
- Original art for the cafeteria.
- The furnishings of the Family Room.
- Bedding plants in the courtyard.
- Equipment for wheelchair bowling.
- The construction of a patio and pergola for Golden Birches Terrace.
- Comfort bags for Acute care patients.
» BRDHC Auxiliary Activities:
- Gift shop
- Sell HELPP (Hospital Equipment Lottery Project for People) tickets
- Organize and staff Blood Donor Clinics
- Organize the Tree of Lights
- Organize a Christmas party for Golden Birches residents
- Bake Sales
- ...and various other fund raising activities
» Volunteer!
- Work with the Auxiliary
- Meet people who care
- Meet specific needs with your skills
- Learn new skills
- Gain valuable experience
- Share your expertise
- Help with projects that appeal to you
- Feel good about helping others
