St. Catharines, ON — This year marks the 160th anniversary of the St. Catharines Hospital Auxiliary, a milestone that reflects a long history of volunteerism and community support. Founded in 1865, two years before the formation of Canadian Confederation, the Auxiliary began when seven local women answered a call from Dr. Theophilus Mack to help build a hospital for the poor. This early effort started organized hospital volunteer work in Canada.
Since then, the Auxiliary has grown into an essential partner for Niagara Health. Over the years, members have dedicated their time, care, skills, and resources to improve patient comfort and raise funds for important medical equipment and capital projects that support healthcare in the region. To date, the group has raised nearly $9 million through the Niagara Health Foundation. These funds have helped provide equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MRI and diagnostic imaging technology, the Walker Family Cancer Centre, pharmacy services, defibrillators and bladder scanners, the Women’s and Babies Unit, urology and laboratory services, the “It’s Our Time” campaign to build the current Marotta Family Hospital, and mental health and addictions care.
The Auxiliary continues to raise money through its gift shop at the Marotta Family Hospital, as well as prize raffles, 50/50 ticket draws, jewelry sales, community yard sales—such as the one scheduled for June 14, 2025—and volunteering at Delta Bingo. Their partnership with the Niagara Health Foundation helps ensure that Niagara Health can keep offering advanced equipment and programs that improve patient outcomes and support staff.
Noreen Dillon, President of the Auxiliary, spoke about the challenges and successes in recent years. She said, “It has been a pleasure to lead the Auxiliary through this post-COVID era with a wonderful team. We were unsure if we could continue our important work, but we have increased our membership and raised more funds. We look forward to working with the Niagara Health Foundation, Niagara Health’s Volunteer Resources, our amazing volunteers, and the new executive team led by Susan Hazell. We are confident we can grow with new members and new fundraising opportunities to help purchase much-needed hospital equipment.”
Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation, also praised the Auxiliary’s long-standing dedication. She said, “For 160 years, the St. Catharines Hospital Auxiliary has been rooted in compassion and care. Every volunteer, every dollar raised, and every act of kindness has supported patients and staff with dignity, comfort, and hope. We are grateful for their selfless efforts and for the many Auxiliary members who have shaped healthcare in Niagara. Their longevity and impressive fundraising achievements show the strength of our community and its strong commitment to healthcare.”
As Niagara Health continues to serve a growing and diverse population, the Auxiliary remains a vital partner in addressing urgent needs and supporting compassionate, patient-centered care. The 160th anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the past but also a call for new volunteers to carry this important legacy forward.
