Hospital auxiliary celebrates 90 years

MOUNT FOREST

The Louise Marshal Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary recently celebrated its 90th anniversary.

“Throughout our 90 years, auxiliary members have touched the lives of each and every person who comes to Louise Marshall Hospital (LMH),” said auxiliary president Barbara Gardin.  

The auxiliary started in the spring of 1922, when a few interested women got together to discuss how they could help the hospital.

They raised funds by holding small teas, putting on amateur theatre presentations and collecting donations from friends. Their achievements were many and the group grew into a flourishing organization that has paved the road for others to follow.

Through the years the auxiliary has gone from canvassing door to door for fruit jellies to running a community bazaar and Hospital Gift and Local Thrift Shop.

“What I think after 90 years is most important is that the hospital auxiliary’s enduring and essential goals have remained the same: dedication to serving our hospital and community,” said volunteer coordinator Verna Batenchuk.

Al Hodgson, chair of the North Wellington Health Care board, added, “From directing patients and families in our ambulatory clinics to offering a smile or helping hand, to supporting staff with a variety of tasks, volunteers contribute to hospital life in many ways.”

Jerome Quenneville, president and CEO of North Wellington Health Care, agreed.

“Our volunteers’ leadership, talents and dedication remind us of what we can accomplish by working together,” said Quenneville. “Our volunteers are champions for the hospital and encourage fellow community members to get involved to enrich health care in the community.”

April 27, 2012