Loading...
Times-Advocate, 1979-06-13, Page 37Raise thousands of dollars Donate time Auxiliary is hospital's chief boaster In November of 1952, a few months before the hospital opened officially, over 100 area women attended the first organizational meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary of South Huron Hospital. At that time, they were told the main aim of the auxiliary would be to assist the board and staff of the hospital in every way possible. During the 27 years that have followed they have more than lived up to that aim. Their money raising efforts which started out in a relatively small way, have turned into big business with their twice annual rummage sales netting around $4,000 for each event. In comparison, the first sales sponsored by the group cleared less than $1,000 and were held only once a year. Another major funding project is the always successful hospital tag day when members make a door-to- door canvass in the area. In the last two years, they began operating, along with the Exeter District Heritage Foundation, The Heritage Shop in Exeter, which deals in good used clothing as well as other nearly new and still useful items. Up until 1961, much of their money was spent on linens. They also fur­ nished their own room at the hospital where their monthly meetings are held. When the nurses residence was erected they providing the fur­ nishings for the sitting room, and in 1957 they purchased the hospital’s first autoclave. Since then, many pieces of valuable equipment for various areas of the hospital, from the kit­ chen to the physiotherapy depart­ ment, have been provided by the auxiliary. Ten new bed units were also purchased. The most recent donation from the auxiliary was in December of 1978 when $25,000 was given toward emergency equipment in the new addition. As important as their monetary gifts have been, the auxiliary’s aid has never stopped there and they have provided many other kinds of help to the hospital, as well. One of MEMBERS OF THE LADIES AUXILIARY — staff the emergency desk at the hospital for five day*- of each week. Above, Ruth Skinner checks out- patients' admittance fotms. LATEST GIFT FROM AUXILIARY — was a $25,000 cheque to purchase equipment for the new emergency quarters. Here, Mrs. Jennie Huntley presents the cheque to administrator Tom Hudson and Dr. G. Leitch. Page 3 LADIES AUXILIARY OF SOUTH HURON HOSPITAL — Seated from left Miss Marion Bissett, Mrs. Jennie Huntley, President Mrs. Earl Campbell, Mrs. Helen Frayne, Mrs. Beth Batten. Standing from left, Mrs. Ada Dinney, Mrs. Olga Davis, Mrs. J.G. Dunlop, Mrs. Elva Routley, Mrs. Hilda Taylor, Miss Ruth Skinner, Mrs. Elsie Westcott, Mrs. Lena Willard, Mrs. Alma Godbolt, Mrs. Anne Cann, Mrs. Gladys Skinner, Miss Loretta Seignor. their main concerns has always been the welfare and comfort of both staff and patients. For several years there were separate volunteer visiting and cart committees. Lately, these two committees have combined with volunteers going to the hospital two times a week. These volunteers not only visit and cheer the sick but run small errands for the patients, as well. The cart enables patients to buy confectionaries, magazines and other needs. One of the features in the new addition of the hospital will be the installation of a gift and tuck shop for the convenience of both patients and visitors. In 1976, volunteer receptionists began manning the emergency desk. These ladies spend three hours each morning for five days a week at the hospital freeing the staff for other duties. The Candy Stripers, a group of volunteer high school girls, was sponsored and introduced to the hospital in 1975 by the auxiliary. They also provide the girl’s uniforms and awards. The Candy Stripers add greatly to the welfare of the patients. Mrs. Ken Johns of Exeter had the honour of being the first president for the years 1953 and 1954. She was followed by other able leaders who were: 1955, Mrs. Emery DesJar­ dins; 1956, Mrs. R.E. Russell; 1957 and 1958, Mrs. Charles Mac- Naughton; 1959, Mrs. E.D. Bell; 1960, Mrs. Fred Dobbs; 1961, Mrs. J.G. Dunlop; 1962, Mrs. Gerald Goldbolt; 1963, Mrs. Allan Fraser; 1964, Mrs. R.C. Dinney; 1965 and 1966, Mrs. Harold Taylor; 1967, Mrs. Delmer Skinner; 1968 and 1969, Mrs. Glen Mickle; 1970, Miss Ruth Skinner; 1971 and 1972, Mrs. M. Gaiser; 1973 and 1974, Mrs. Walter Davis; 1975 and 1976, tylrs. T. MacMillan; 1977 and 1978, Mrs. R. Westcott; and 1979, Mrs. E. Campbell. NEW GIFT SHOP — The Ladies' Auxiliary recently opened a gift and tuck shop in the foyer of the new addition to the hospital. It will cater to the needs of patient and visitor. Shown at the opening are members Mrs. Walter Davis, Mrs. Larry Taylor and Mrs. Walter McBride.