In 1931 when the Sisters of St. Martha officially opened the new 100-bed St. Michael’s Hospital on 13th Street and 9th Ave South, the need for volunteer assistance quickly emerged. A small group of enterprising women known as “The Ladies Aid” had already established a beneficial relationship with the semi-cloistered Sisters of St. Martha. This relationship carried itself into a volunteer service for St. Michael’s.
From the first item purchased in 1946 until the present time, a total of $340,000 and thousands of volunteer hours have been contributed to St. Michael’s by the Ladies Auxiliary. From a humble beginning of 14 dedicated ladies to a peak membership of 90 in the mid 1960’s, the Auxiliary still maintains an average of 42 active and 6 inactive members. They continue to enhance the care of patients and residents and help to provide them and their families with physical, spiritual and emotional comfort.
Historical Highlights
1946
An official association was formed in 1946 to “provide financial and necessary equipment to the Hospital”. The original association consisted of doctors’ wives and other civic-minded ladies of the community. With 32 members and a treasury of $14.00, projects were set in motion to meet the Hospital’s financial obligations. Teas, bridge games, rummage sales, fashion shows, bake sales, bazaars, concerts and the very impressive Charity Ball all proved to be worthwhile projects and supplied the Hospital with much-needed funds.
1947
The first piece of equipment– a $1000 fracture table – was purchased in 1947.Funds were raised for many more purchases over the years, including cardiographs, wheelchairs, mattresses, cribs, beds, bassinettes, rocking chairs, pumps, scales, croupettes, lifts, blood pressure machines, gastroscopes, monitors, pulse oximeters and a never-ending stock of accessories.
With fund-raising well under way, the Ladies Auxiliary began some in-service volunteering. Each Christmas the Paediatric Ward was decorated with a tree, and gifts were distributed to all the children. This event continued every year until 1992 when the Paediatric Ward closed at St. Michael’s.
1948
In 1948 a “Good Samaritan Cupboard” was established for needy babies.Layettes of blankets, diapers, sleepers, knitted bonnets, booties and sweaters were all lovingly handmade by the Ladies. Occasionally, other people from the community also donated articles to this worthwhile project.
Early 1950’s
The Ladies Auxiliary established a library cart and distributed magazines and books to all the wards. This was followed by a canteen cart which allowed the Ladies to distribute snacks, goodies and small personal items such as pens, toothbrushes and combs to patients.
1956
The Ladies Auxiliary hosted the first St. Michael’s School of Nursing - Nurses’ Graduation Reception and supplied a $100 scholarship to the nurse showing the greatest aptitude in Paediatric Nursing. This event continued until the last graduating class in 1973. From 1975 to 1982 the Ladies Auxiliary also hosted the receptions for graduating classes of St. Michael’s Laboratory Technicians.
1957
The “Play Ladies” launched a play therapy program on Paediatrics began in 1957. This program was very effective in enhancing hospital stays for children. The Ladies worked hard to ensure an endless replenishment of toys and materials for children for 35 years, until the Paediatrics closed.
1981
In 1981 the Auxiliary received a large amount of money from the Lottie Woods Estate. The Ladies donated this money to the relocation of the Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital as well as equipment for same.
1982
The Ladies Auxiliary accepted a donation of money from a Women’s Church group for help with the Good Samaritan cupboard. This was the first time a donation was accepted since its inception in 1946.
1985
A request for financial support was extended to various community associations. Response was immediate and annual donations were offered by benevolent and charitable organizations. Many of these contributions continue to the present-day, allowing the Auxiliary to carry on with their programs.
1986
The Auxiliary became a Registered Society in 1986 and became known as the Society of the Auxiliary to St. Michael’s Hospital. This allowed the Ladies Auxiliary to qualify for Provincial funding (New Horizons) which in helped them to establish of the Gift Shop. This Gift Shop became an excellent source of income and continued until the closing of St. Michael’s Health Centre in 1995.
1990
Over the years, the Auxiliary had close association with the Provincial and Regional Hospital Auxiliary Associations, but in 1990 they became an entity of their own.
1999
With St. Michael’s changing from an active treatment hospital to a long term care facility, the Ladies were again called upon to help with the construction of the new building. As a result of continual fund-raising and sound investment practices, the Auxiliary was able to make a $100,000 donation towards this project. An extra $64,000 was spent on beautification and equipment for what is now known as St. Michael’s Health Centre and the Auxiliary became the Society of the Auxiliary to St.Michael’s Health Centre.
2006
In 2006 St. Michael’s Health Centre recognized the Auxiliary for their 60 years of generosity and zealous volunteer service.
Present Day
Today, the Auxiliary supplies a cuddly teddy bear to all patients in the Palliative Care Unit. These special bears assist patients and residents to face the end of life with dignity, love and peace. This kind and loving gestures offers patients, their families and caregivers a unique and deeply felt comfort.
The Ladies also continue to purchase Christmas gifts for all residents under St. Michael’s care. Their annual Sunshine Coffee Break fundraiser allows them to continue those programs.
Are you interested in learning more?
Meetings are held at St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400 – 9 Ave South at 1:30pm on the third Monday of each month (except June, July and August) in the Community Room.
The Annual General Meeting is held the third Monday of January with time and place decided at the previous general meeting.
For more information, contact St. Michael’s Health Centre at (403)382-6400
