Six decades later, WHGH Auxiliary continues to play a crucial role for West Haldimand General Hospital

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH) held a special celebration ceremony honouring the 60th anniversary of the hospital’s auxiliary – a milestone that was proudly celebrated by hospital members, volunteers past and present, and government officials.

In April of 1963, before WHGH even opened its doors, volunteers were working behind the scenes to make it happen. They organized themselves originally with six units covering different communities in the area: Caledonia, Cayuga, Fisherville, Hagersville, Jarvis, and Springvale, with the very same mission guiding the work of the auxiliary today – service and fundraising.

60 years later, support from the WHGH auxiliary remains stronger than ever.

“West Haldimand General Hospital would not be where it is today without the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO. “For the past 60 years, volunteers have been a driving force for our organization. They are an important and valued asset of our hospital, and make all the difference in the world for our patients, visitors, and staff. On behalf of West Haldimand General Hospital, I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for 60 years of giving by the auxiliary. Their generosity and dedication are invaluable, and they have my deepest admiration and appreciation.” Through their caring smiles, kind words, and helpful hands, our volunteers touch lives and lift spirits while helping our staff, physicians, patients, families, and visitors. They are passionate, energetic, dedicated, caring, and, above all else, focused on supporting our patients and families. Every day, volunteers contribute to the betterment of this organization.”

As part of the celebration, Haldimand County Mayor, Shelley Ann Bentley and a representative from Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady’s office presented Jo-Ann Duns, WHGH Auxiliary President, and members of the hospital’s management team with a special certificate and words of praise for the special milestone.

(Pictured left to right: Jeff, a representative of Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady; Jo-Ann Duns, WHGH Auxiliary President; Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand County Mayor; Karen McKellar, Volunteer Coordinator; and Sarah-Jane Irvine, CHRL, Chief Human Resources Officer.

Today, roughly 66 individuals donate their time and talents to WHGH and add a caring touch to help make our patients and family experience the best it can be.

Our phenomenal volunteers are oftentimes the first face you will see when coming to our facility. They welcome and help patients and visitors find their way throughout our hospital, sometimes during stressful times. It’s an invaluable service, helping alleviate confusion and anxiety.

They also help in a variety of different ways such as serving in the Café and Gift Shop, working in the gardens, sewing, knitting and so much more.

The WHGH Auxiliary is also a key player in fundraising for vital life-saving equipment for WHGH. Since 1963, the WHGH Auxiliary has raised a total of $1,412,376.63!

We would like to thank all of our volunteers for their dedication and commitment to WHGH over the past 60 years! Thank you for bringing heart to our community. We appreciate you and are fortunate to have you on our team!

Here are some pictures from the 60th anniversary of the hospital’s auxiliary.