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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 2000, 176 auxiliaries reported a total membership
of 37,038 adults, 4,859 teens and a gross income of $41,
710, 389.00.
What
we’ve done at St. Thomas
Amassa Wood
to Memorial Hospital
In
the early years 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 40th 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.
-
Current fundraisers include: Annual Spring Fair;
Craft Show; Book Fairs; Art Fair; T.V. Commission; Bake
Sale; Coffee Corner in Atrium.
- Book
Committee distributes books and magazines throughout the
hospital.
-
Annually two Sunday Teas and a Christmas Party are hosted in
Complex Continuing Care (CCC) for patients; gifts are
provided for our CCC patients for Christmas and Birthday
celebrations.
Our membership in
the year 2002 stands at 95, with people dedicated to helping our
hospital to be “the Best Community Hospital in Ontario”.
References:
-
Hospital Women’s Aid 40th Anniversary Report,
February 1959 by Blanch Curtis
- St.
Thomas Elgin General Hospital Auxiliary Archives.
Jean
Fotheringhame, 2002 |