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For over 60 years, the Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) Auxiliary has been a pillar of support for the hospital and community. What began as a small group of women sewing for the hospital has grown into a thriving organization of over 165 dedicated volunteers, ranging in age from 15 to an inspiring 92 years old. Their collective contributions go beyond stitches and seams - they have become an essential part of patient and resident care, hospital fundraising, and community engagement.
The Auxiliary operates across five teams, each with a unique role in supporting ARH. Volunteers at The Grove and the inpatient floor at the hospital dedicate their time to enhancing the daily lives of residents and patients. Their presence provides comfort, companionship, and assistance with non-medical needs, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for all.
In addition to their direct support of patient care, over 120 Auxiliary members work tirelessly at the hospital Gift Shop and the Opportunity Shop in downtown Arnprior. These two stores, run entirely by volunteers, serve not only as community staples but also as major fundraising engines. Through their sales efforts, the Auxiliary has been able to make an extraordinary financial contribution to healthcare at ARH.
In 2023, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Auxiliary volunteers, an incredible $480,000 was raised and directed toward the $2.2 million dollar campaign goal for the purchase of ARH’s new CT scanner.
More than just a financial contribution, this achievement reflects the Auxiliary’s deep-rooted commitment to community well-being. Their generosity isn’t measured in dollars alone but also in the 20,000 hours of volunteer service they provide annually. From assisting in hospital units to running retail operations, their work is driven by heart, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.
As Auxiliary Chair Maggie H. expressed, “We don’t write big fat cheques - not that we’d mind those - but we invest in the hospital and our community through time and effort. We give with and from our hearts.”
This remarkable impact is made possible by a team of passionate individuals, including Marjorie Kelly, Unit Chair for The Grove; Liz Hildebrandt, Vice Chair and Opportunity Shop Team Leader; and Gail Okum, Opportunity Shop Manager. While space constraints prevented all 165 members from being present at the CT scanner ribbon-cutting event, their collective contributions were certainly felt and celebrated.
The CT scanner is now in place and transforming patient care, a testament to the power of volunteerism. The ARH Auxiliary has once again proven that volunteering truly makes a difference - one hour, one effort, and one heart at a time.
Thank you to the ARH Auxiliary for your unwavering support and dedication. Your efforts are a cornerstone of healthcare in our community, and your impact will be felt for years to come.
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