Auxiliary Volunteers
The mission of the Glengarry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is to provide volunteer services to the patients, to promote good public relations, and to assist the hospital in its provision of quality health care to the community. The Auxiliary is comprised of dedicated people who give over 12,000 hours each year to the hospital. Since the Auxiliary was founded in 1966, well over a quarter of a million dollars has been raised for the hospital, and an excess of 500,000 hours of volunteer work have been contributed. We are justifiably very proud of our Auxiliary.
The Auxiliary assists the hospital in improving the comfort of HGMH patients by funding the purchase of previously-approved specialty equipment for the hospital, as well as amenities for the patients. They have contributed their funds to the purchase of 37 hanging bed trays, bedside chairs and journals, and have donated funds toward the purchase of digital X-ray equipment in an effort to improve the quality of the stay of patients at HGMH.
In conjunction with the hospital administration, those who volunteer for the Auxiliary make every attempt to create a positive relationship with the public, while raising money to provide the best possible patient care. Our top priority is the welfare of the patients, and our volunteers accomplish this by serving in many different capacities and on a variety of committees.
Spiritual Care |
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Specially trained members of the Auxiliary attend to the emotional and spiritual needs of the patients and their families. They visit twice weekly. |
Gift Shop |
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Patients and visitors are served by more than 40 volunteers who maintain the Gift Shop. Light snacks and beverages, as well as a wide variety of gift items are offered for sale. Profits generated from this source are the main fundraising endeavour of the Auxiliary. |
Continuing Care |
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This programme offers a variety of stimulating activities for residents. Parties are organized to celebrate seasonal events, and community groups present musical and theatrical entertainment. |
In Memoriam |
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Donations to honour the memory of loved ones are welcomed. The names of the deceased are inscribed in the ‘In Memoriam Book' displayed in its showcase in the lobby. |
Patient and Family Support Team |
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The chairperson of this committee directs a small, specifically trained team of Auxiliary volunteers. These volunteers provide emotional, physical and spiritual comfort to the critically ill and their families as they make their final journey. |
Information Desk |
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Volunteers manning this desk near the emergency entrance welcome and assist patients and visitors in navigating the hospital environment. |
Teen Volunteers |
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Under the direction of Auxiliary coordinators, the teens in this programme work from 4:00pm to 7:30pm, providing assistance to the nursing staff. Every year the Auxiliary offers bursaries to graduating high school students who have served as Teen Volunteers and are pursuing College or University programmes. |
Volunteer Services |
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New volunteers are the key to the Auxiliary's survival. Our various active programmes are carefully outlined, making it easier for newcomers to choose the area in which he or she would prefer to volunteer their time. |