The Women’s Auxiliary of the Barrie Memorial Hospital has launched its annual membership drive and fundraiser, though delays due to the Canada Post work stoppage meant reminder postcards were not delivered as usual in early October.
During the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the Women’s Auxiliary (WA) contributed just over $250,527 to the Ormstown-based hospital for the purchase of much-needed medical equipment and patient well-being initiatives. These investments include a numeric weight chair for the third floor, around $63,835 for an assistance cough machine and respirator for the respiratory therapy department, over $156,392 in specialized equipment for the endoscopy department including a gastroscopy machine, navigation system, and final reclamation for video processus, as well as just over $29,136 for a new LUCAS chest-compression system for the emergency department.
Women’s Auxiliary member JoAnn McClintock says equipment requests are now being streamlined with the Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest, which is helping to process purchases more quickly. She explains that after an 18-month saga to install a functional television system that provides more channels in English and French, the necessary fibre-optic cable – paid for by the WA – is now in the process if being installed.
The exterior of the hospital is also receiving an upgrade. The WA has hired a local landscaping company to trim and remove old shrubs and to clean up and improve the grounds. And, the WA will continue its tradition of providing small acts of support – such as cookies and treats to hospital staff throughout this new year.
In her annual letter to members, WA president Louise Labelle Rollin notes that without the continued support and donations from Valley residents, the organization “would not be able to purchase the equipment needed by many of the patients who visit the hospital.”
With the start of this year’s campaign, the WA has launched an automated computer system for managing receipts. Donations can now be made via bank transfer, credit card through the website (dahbm.org), or by scanning the QR code on the new post cards when they arrive in the mail. Cheques and cash donations will still be accepted, but receipts for these will take longer to process.
The WA is always looking for new volunteers and board members, including men and women. Volunteers are also needed at the hospital for various roles like greeting patients and families and providing support on the floors. Efforts are underway to establish a larger volunteer program like those at the Huntingdon and Ormstown residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs).
Those interested in volunteering or donating can receive more information during the annual bazaar, which will take place at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School on November 8.