Since 1950, the Auxiliary group at Erie Shores HealthCare (formerly Leamington District Memorial Hospital) has been helping staff and patients navigate the corridors of the hospital.
That year, even before the hospital was completely open, a small group of women gathered around a kitchen table with one question in mind. How can we help?
Led by the first president, Mrs. Edith Atkin, dedicated women of Leamington, Kingsville and Wheatley formed the first Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.
The group started out by mending linens, sewing gowns and canning fruit, and soon expanded to organizing teas and other gatherings, holding raffles and hosting dinner dances, all in the name of raising funds for their beloved hospital.
They were there for every milestone along the way and now that organization has wrapped up their efforts after 75 years.
Erie Shores HealthCare recently unveiled a new tribute wall recognizing the Erie Shores HealthCare Auxiliary, celebrating those 75 years of volunteer service and giving to support patients, staff and hospital programs.
The unveiling was part of the hospital’s 75th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, December 17, and comes as the Auxiliary wraps up its organization after 75 years of supporting local health care.
To mark its final contribution, the Auxiliary presented Erie Shores HealthCare with a donation of $122,110, supporting priorities that strengthen patient care close to home.
“This tribute wall is a permanent thank you to the people who showed up for this hospital, year after year,” said Kristin Kennedy, president and CEO of Erie Shores HealthCare. “For 75 years, the Auxiliary’s volunteers and donors have helped make care better for patients and families. We’re honoured to recognize that legacy in a lasting way as we celebrate 75 years of care in our community.”
The tribute wall is a collection of 75 photos, newspaper clippings and other memorabilia, along with a tribute to all of the past presidents from the first (Edith Atkin) to the last (Kerstin Kay).
Erie Shores HealthCare also released the official trailer for an upcoming documentary that will reflect on the hospital’s 75-year history of providing care to the community. The documentary will share stories from across the decades, highlighting the people, milestones and moments that helped shape health care in the region. You can view the trailer at youtube.com/watch?v=ZPLpf9OpYeA. The full documentary will be released later as part of the hospital’s anniversary programming in the spring.
“The Auxiliary has always been driven by one goal, helping the hospital support the community,” said Kerstin Kay, Past President, Erie Shores HealthCare Auxiliary. “We’re proud of what volunteers have accomplished over 75 years, and we’re grateful to everyone who supported our efforts. This tribute wall is a meaningful way to ensure that spirit of giving is remembered.”
This group of volunteers and former volunteers gathered at the wall for a photo opportunity. From left are Kerstin Kay, Janice Stewart, Rose Jones, Laurie Groeneweg, Michelle Getty, Carol Fields and Barb Colaizzi.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
