NEWS

SMGH Auxiliary Donates $18,000 to Hospital

Members of the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Auxiliary are always looking for ways to assist the patients and departments of the hospital. The members dedication to the health care continues with their latest contribution in the amount of $18,000 to help pay off their $400,000 Building Together Campaign pledge.

In 2000, the Auxiliary made this pledge to help provide leadership funding to build new Emergency and Ambulatory Care Departments at SMGH. The building project was completed in 2005.

Founded in 1914, the Auxiliary of SMGH is comprised of individuals whose time and effort are devoted to providing the best possible care for patients.  From its inception, the Auxiliary has conducted a wide variety of fund-raising initiatives and contributed to nearly every department in the Hospital. They provide a vital link between Strathroy Hospital and the community.

From rummage sales to penny auctions, the Auxiliary has constantly drawn upon the unique talents of individual volunteer members to develop creative and effective approaches to raising funds for highest priority patient needs. Members also operate the hospital gift shop while conducting various fundraising activities throughout the year.

“It's very difficult to raise money ‘one pie at a time' through annual bake sales,” says Susan McLean, SMGH Foundation CEO.  “The Auxiliary has really made a very remarkable contribution with their pledge of $400 000 to the Building Together Campaign. They go above and beyond with their fundraising activities which can be difficult for an organization supported only by volunteers.”

The most significant donation ever pledged by the Auxiliary members has been their contribution to the Building Together Campaign.

When the hospital opened in 1914, Auxiliary members donated fruit, vegetables, preserves and eggs to the kitchen. They began by fundraising to buy basic equipment like pillows and blankets for the hospital.

Today, their fundraising efforts encompass an annual tag day in May, Holiday bake sales, selling hospital equipment lottery tickets in the lobby, fashion days and raffles. Members also serve as volunteers throughout the hospital and in the gift shop, helping with the information booth, portering and driving for Meals on Wheels. 

“I am extremely pleased to commend the members of the Auxiliary for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts have enabled Strathroy Hospital to become a leader in rural healthcare, benefiting patients in south-western Ontario ,” says McLean.