The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Auxiliary

“The Red Coats”

 Where did the HAAO begin?

The History of the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario

• The first auxiliary, the Ladies Hospital Society, was founded in 1865 in St. Catherines.
• It amalgamated into an association in 1910.
• The St. Thomas Hospital Women’s Aid joined the Association in 1919.
• We continue to be members of the HAAO.

HAAO

A voluntary, non-profit association representing hospital auxiliaries and volunteer associations affiliated with Ontario hospitals.

• Provides education, leadership and advocacy on behalf of members
• The HAAO represents the Auxiliary’s interest, needs and views to the Ontario Hospital Association, the government and the public.
• The President of HAAO is a member of the Board of Directors of the OHA and the Canadian Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries.
• In the year 2010, 151 auxiliaries reported a total membership of 25,679 members, 3,715,804 hours of service, and a gross income of $37,307,415.

 What we’ve done at St. Thomas

Amassa Wood to Memorial Hospital

 In the early years The Auxiliary was known as the Women's Aid and  fundraising consisted of: Minstrel Shows;  Food Sales; Operetta; Tea at the President’s home, Superfluity Sale; Hope Chest; Card Party, Sale of Cook Book and Tag Days.

• The monies raised furnished the rooms at the Nurses’ Residence and the Reception Room
• During the depression members collected jam and jellies for the hospital, provided Christmas cheer for patients and towels for the Nurses Residence.  The W.A. would pay for a private nurse for 2 days for very ill patients.
• In 1938 The Women’s Aid assumed the task of paying $5,000 toward the purchase price of a building purchased by the City of Nurses’ Residence.
• 1952 pledged $1,000 to the New Hospital
• 1958 donated $1,800 to the new J.W. Snell School of Nursing
• They continued to raise funds donating to the hospital equipment requirements as well as giving interest free loans to nursing students.

“ No matter what changes the years may bring, I am sure everyone in this group will wish “God Speed” to those following.”

Hospital Women’s Aid 40^th Anniversary report, February 1959 by Blanche Curtis

At The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital

The Hospital Auxiliary Association continues as The St. Thomas General Hospital Auxiliary

• Due to lack of membership, in 1981 the Auxiliary Executive decided to disband the organization.
• Key members approached the Hospital Board, who struck a Steering Committee to assist them to ensure the Auxiliary would continue.
• Their efforts were successful and the Auxiliary continues in their active contributions.

The STEGH Auxiliary

• 1981 the Hospital Foundation was founded and the Auxiliary donations are now directed with their assistance.
• With the hospital renovations in 1996 the new Tuck Shop opened.  With this, came a NEW Gift Shop.
• The HELPP lottery tickets (Hospital Equipment Lottery Project for People) originated with HAAO.
• 1999 the Foundation hosted a special celebration honouring the Auxiliary for Contributions 1984-1999 reaching over $1million.
• Book Committee distributes books and magazines throughout the hospital.

Our membership in the year 2012 stands at over 60 with people dedicated to helping our hospital deliver an excellent patient care experience. 

 References:

• Hospital Women’s Aid 40^th Anniversary Report,
  February 1959 by Blanch Curtis
• St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Auxiliary Archives.