HISTORY
The Auxiliary recently celebrated 60 years of volunteer service and over $1,000,000 of fund-raising for the Hospital. The Auxiliary began in 1943 when Mrs. Robert (Teresa) Lee, a supervising nurse, recognized the need for a group of "willing women" to address the needs of the small private hospital then in operation.
The first meeting held on June 11, 1943 included a representative from each organization in Campbellford and Seymour. A slate of 12 officers was approved for the newly named Campbellford Hospital Women’s Auxiliary with Mrs. Lee as president and Mrs. Jesse Locke as secretary.
At first, the Auxiliary bought and sewed linens and hospital gowns, holding regular sewing bees to keep the Hospital supplied. By 1948, fund-raising was added to the Auxiliary’s responsibilities. When the new hospital opened on September 1, 1953 the Auxiliary, assisted by many individuals and groups in the community, donated $3,300 worth of linens and continued to provide supplies and raise funds for the much larger facility.
Membership grew and in 1961 the Auxiliary became a member of the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario, widening its horizons and benefiting from the experience of other groups. Two past Auxiliary presidents, Lillian Scott and June Bennett served as regional chairs. With hospital expansion, the Auxiliary opened the "Tuck Shop" in November 1970, now known as the Gift Shop located at the main hospital entrance. It is staffed by Auxiliary volunteers and is open every day.
Over the years, the Auxiliary has conducted fund-raising events to provide equipment and furnishings for every part of the Hospital. It operates the Gift Shop, and provides a link between the Hospital and the community it serves.
Auxiliary Named Citizen of the Decade
The Auxiliary to CMH was named Citizen of the Decade (1940-1949) and CMH was named Citizen of the Decade (2000-2006) at a Gala Dinner Celebration September 23, 2006 hosted by the Campbellford-Seymour Community Foundation and the Campbellford-Seymour Heritage Society. The event recognizes businesses, individuals and organizations making a significant contribution to the Town of Campbellford during each decade from 1900 up until 2006. At the event, it was noted that "the volunteer efforts of countless fund-raisers and board members, the hard work of medical and support staff, as well as the support of all levels of government, has helped to create an excellent health care facility for the local area."