Hospital auxiliaries support the critical work of Fraser Health by fundraising and volunteering.
As we shop for the perfect gift, some people have found it already: The gift of time.
Hospital auxiliaries in our region have been fundraising and volunteering for more than a century. They’ve survived wars, floods, fires, thefts and pandemics. We are all the beneficiaries of their resilience.
Behind every auxiliary is a treasure trove of people who give their time and passion for the greater good.
Edna, 94, sewed uniforms during the war and, later, head scarves for cancer patients and trauma bears for children who witnessed tragic events. She now sews bibs, wheelchair bags and other items for the Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Zella, also 94, started volunteering with the Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary before the hospital was even built. She recalls many hospital fundraisers including beer sales at the old Westwood Motorsport Park in Coquitlam.
Life-long friendships were forged at kitchen tables, where countless items were packed and wrapped by auxiliary volunteers. There was a bag or box for everything – even babies at one time. Before car seats were a thing, newborns at Mission Memorial Hospital were sent home in a comfy cardboard box, courtesy of the local auxiliary.
Thank you hospital auxiliaries!
