TOH Auxiliary's "on‑the‑ground" impact
Celebrating a $2.5-million gift and a long history of meeting patients' needs
TOH Auxiliary’s “on-the-ground” impact
Celebrating a $2.5-million gift and a long history of meeting patients' needs
Published: August 2022
In 1898, almost 125 years ago, a dedicated group called The Friends of TOH established themselves at the General Hospital, which was located at the corner of Water and Sussex at the time. By 1951, The Civic Auxiliary was formed, followed by the Riverside Auxiliary in 1967. These three groups, though separate entities, shared a common purpose: to generate funds within the hospital to meet practical needs. For more than 50 years, this is how things remained. Then in 2021, the three amalgamated into a single voice — a boots-on-the-ground group that is stronger and more efficient than ever. The merger has reinvigorated their desire to react and respond, providing for both the hospital and the patient — and the impact of their generosity is tangible.
Their most recent gift — an incredible $2.5 million — is part of more than $13 million they’ve donated to the hospital in just over a decade. This has allowed the hospital to purchase critical equipment, from cardiac monitors to a new MRI machine.
“We are passionate about being an on-the-ground organization — to be able to react to the needs of the hospital and the patients. That’s what drives us.”
— Catherine Higgens, TOH Auxiliary Board of Directors President
In addition to lifesaving equipment, the Auxiliary works closely with various clinical services, including Psychosocial Services, to ensure patients have essential items. From breast pumps for new parents to an emergency clothing cupboard for patients who are ready for discharge but don’t have proper access to clothing, the Auxiliary’s generosity allows the hospital to provide necessities in real time.
“These actions or items might seem small to some, but they are powerful,” says Catherine Higgens, TOH Auxiliary Board of Directors President. “We are passionate about being an on-the-ground organization — to be able to react to the needs of the hospital and the patients. That’s what drives us.”
There is certainly no shortage of passion among the Auxiliary Board of Directors, their small but mighty staff, and their dedicated volunteers. Collectively, they ensure the smooth operation of several revenue-generating shops, including the gift shops at the Civic and General Campuses and the Auxiliary Shop at the Civic. They also generate funds through strategic community partnerships, including more than 60 Ottawa vendors and members of the arts community. Vendors are given space on campus to sell their products, which not only gives these small local businesses their own important revenue and exposure, but also generates critical proceeds to allow the Auxiliary to continue their important work.
Staying true to their focus on in-hospital fundraising for in-hospital needs, staff have not been forgotten in the mix. For the past 10 years, a portion of funds generated by the Auxiliary has supported a nursing bursary that is awarded to help further develop the skills of our incredible nursing staff. Throughout the pandemic, the Auxiliary has also shown appreciation to healthcare workers by delivering food and treats to staff working long hours.
While their impact may look different from one project to the next, their vision has not wavered for more than a century: to make a positive difference for patients at The Ottawa Hospital and the broader hospital community.
Thank you, TOH Auxiliary, for your long-standing commitment to our hospital and for generously meeting the needs of our patients.
To learn more about TOH Auxiliary’s important work at our hospital or to receive a copy of their annual general report, please email tohauxiliary@gmail.com.
