Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary
As an organization, the Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary wants to ensure patients and residents are satisfied and feel important and well cared for. They hope all patients and their family members feel the positive results of their ongoing efforts to improve patient care at the hospital while also ensuring volunteer efforts enable the purchase of needed equipment and improvements to the hospital.
The team of active and dedicated volunteers manage the Hospital Gift Shop, the snack machines and the hot beverage dispensers. In the past, money was also raised by providing haircuts, taking baby pictures, delivering flowers, renting televisions, knitting blankets and selling raffle tickets. The proceeds of these efforts go directly towards the purchase of medical equipment and enhancing the care and comfort of patients.
Over the years the group has purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of needed medical equipment and supplies. In 2021 and 2022 alone, the Auxiliary provided twenty televisions for the Peace Villa and contributed $20,000 towards the purchase of a bronchoscope, eight Broda chairs and 10 wheelchairs. In 1944, the Hospital Auxiliary had purchased the hospital’s very first electric refrigerator and in 1952 its first washer and dryer.
The contributions of the Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary volunteers are significant and appreciated. Their big hearts help improve the comfort and care of the patients of the Fort St. John Hospital. View the slideshow below to see some of the items the Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary volunteers’ fundraising efforts purchased for the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa along with great items for sale in their gift shop.
Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary Memorial Fund: Donations in memory of a loved one can be made to the Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary Memorial Fund which is used to purchase specialized equipment for the care and comfort of patients and residents. Names of the remembered will be placed on the Dedication Wall located in the Hospital cafeteria.
Fort St. John Hospital & Peace Villa Facilities Memorial Rose Garden: The Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary takes care of the Memorial Rose garden where Memorial Bricks are etched with the names of those to be remembered and form the garden wall’s capping stones. Family and friends may purchase a Memorial Brick in honour of a loved one for $200.00 at the Auxiliary Gift Shop.
Meet the Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers
Meet the Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers
Since February of 1932, the Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary has been volunteering patient services and raised funds to purchase medical equipment and supplies for the comfort and care of all patients in the local hospital. They've also volunteered throughout the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa facility to improve the experiencing of the patients. Volunteer Rosalie Brandl explains, "there are no paid members; all members donate their time and energy towards our goals of improving patient care and comfort." "Most of our members are senior citizens," said Rosalie, "and we always need more volunteers."
In the Hospital and in the Peace Villa, volunteers push wheelchairs, find slippers, comb hair, hold hands and listen. "Our twenty-seven active members are all devoted and energetic and genuinely love this community," said Rosalie, with an additional eight lifetime members. Their big hearts have improved the hospital and bettered patient care.
"We love this community and the businesses in Fort St. John," said Rosalie. The support of local businesses is critical for the success of their fundraiser raffles and ticket sales as the businesses generously donate the prizes. Rosalie loves the fresh air, the supportive businesses and the friendly people of Fort St. John and knows her fellow volunteers are also passionate about their volunteer work in their hometown. "When you see someone in pain or hurting or lonely you just want to help them," said Rosalie, "and when you are able to help them it is so rewarding."
Junior Volunteer Program: The Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary coordinates the Junior Volunteer Program for teenagers aged 14 to 18. The program provides an opportunity for youth interested in careers and education in healthcare to spend time in the Hospital. During the school year, youth volunteer two hours a week by assisting nursing staff, visiting with patients and residents and may earn the required volunteer hours for Secondary School Graduation. Participants in the Junior Volunteer Program receive priority when applying for the Annual Auxiliary Bursary. Each year, two $1,000 scholarships are awarded to two outstanding young volunteers pursuing careers in the medical field.
To lend a helping hand to the hospital auxiliary, and to your community, you can ask a volunteer in the gift shop or contact the Auxiliary directly.
