A 70-Year Legacy
The Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary officially began in October of 1954 with a vision of community-centered health care. A group of dedicated individuals, including 26 nurses and community members, came together to unite their goal of raising awareness and funds for a local hospital to serve Uxbridge and its surrounding areas. Their efforts ultimately paid off with the opening of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital in 1959. The Auxiliary has continued with its mission ever since, funding new hospital equipment and renovations to better serve the community.
As a Hospital Association, we are advocates of community partnerships in support of health care in The Town of Uxbridge on the ancestral home of the Anishaanabe Nations (Ojibway, Cree, Huron, Wendat, Algonquin, Chippewa, Mississaugas) in the Regional Municipality of Durham, through education, fundraising opportunities, and the promotion of volunteer services to people. The Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary – UHA – is a volunteer, non-profit organization which supports the Uxbridge site of Oak Valley Health.
Volunteers like Ginger Jackson, a former nurse who was asked to join the UHA when she first moved to town, represent the selfless spirit that fuels the Auxiliary’s work day-in and day-out. Ginger is not only a long-time volunteer, she also sits on the Hospital Board of Directors on behalf of the UHA. She primarily helps with ‘way-finding’ at the Hospital, which she says is a feel-good thing for her. Ginger may be 75, but her ‘you can’t stop me’ spirit means she doesn’t sit still for long. When reflecting on the past few years and our global pandemic she says she’s making up for lost time.
Ginger kindly took some time to fill us in on the efforts and history of the organization. She highlighted that over the decades, the Auxiliary has raised well over $6 million, enabling the purchase of critical medical equipment that has improved patient care and expanded the hospital’s capabilities. Most recently, the Auxiliary pledged an impressive $1.5 million toward the acquisition of a new CT scanner, a significant upgrade that will enhance diagnostic services at the hospital. None of this comes without its challenges, Ginger advises. “IT-wise, the equipment changes. They need to be up to date on everything and keep raising funds to stay current.” she adds.
With over 250 dedicated volunteers, the UHA’s spirit of generosity is further reflected in all aspects of operations. Whether staffing the UHA gift shop, guiding patients to their appointments via way-finding, assisting with ambulatory services, or managing the popular “Chances Are” thrift store, UHA volunteers are indispensable to the hospital’s daily functioning. They see people from all over who come here to use our services because the UHA accomplishes their goals and they do it with a smile. “It makes you feel great!” Ginger says.
Exciting fundraising initiatives like the “Run for the Diamond”, which set new records in recent years, showcase the UHA’s ongoing efforts to engage the community and make a lasting difference. “More and more people are coming out each year. Michelle Baker has looked after the Walk/Run 5k and 10k event over the past years with tremendous success.” Ginger tells us.
As the Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary celebrates its 70th anniversary, the organization remains deeply committed to its mission of supporting our local hospital. Whether through fundraising, volunteer efforts, or community outreach, the UHA continues to evolve, ensuring the hospital can meet the growing healthcare needs of Uxbridge residents.
Chances Are Thrift Shop
One of the most successful and locally cherished initiatives of the UHA is the Chances Are thrift store, which has been a part of the community since 1986 – yet another milestone soon to celebrate! Currently located on Bascom Street, the store has been a significant fundraiser for the hospital, selling both new and gently-used items ranging from children’s and adult clothing, to home décor and seasonal items, like Christmas decorations. More than just a place to shop, “Chances Are” is a community-minded centre supporting not only the hospital but its people. It represents an eco-friendly way to donate and shop, all whilst supporting a truly great cause.
In December of this year, the store is set to make a big move to a new, larger location in the plaza on the corner of Toronto Street South and Elgin Park Drive, expanding the store footprint to 5,000 square feet. Ginger tells us, this new space will focus on being a fully accessible building and should allow for extended hours, greater donation capacity and sorting, with added parking – making for an even bigger impact on the community. Ginger says the UHA hopes this move will bring in more volunteers and further increase the store’s contributions to the hospital.
Ginger says the organization has really done their due diligence in finding the most suitable location and are confident in moving forward. They’re very excited for their “New Digs!”
Bring On the Holiday Cheer
The Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary hosts two luncheons for its volunteers each year. One in June and one at Christmas. On December 2nd, the UHA will host its annual Christmas Luncheon at Wooden Sticks, a much-anticipated event that will be extra special this year as they celebrate the Auxiliary’s 70th anniversary. The event will receive sponsorship from local businesses, including Canadian Tire, which will provide celebratory balloons, and Zehrs, which will donate a custom-baked cake for the occasion. Ginger commends UHA volunteer Shannon Smiley for putting all this together for the Auxiliary and she ensures the luncheon will be a memorable gathering for all who attend.This celebration not only brings the volunteers together for a festive meal but also serves as a heartfelt recognition of the UHA’s incredible achievements over the last seven decades. It’s a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come, honour their dedicated volunteers, and of course raise a toast to the future of healthcare in Uxbridge. Oak Valley Health and the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation also host a volunteer appreciation tea during Volunteer Week each spring.
Volunteering with UHA
Dedicated volunteers are at the core of the UHA’s success. Many of these volunteers are retirees eager to give back and stay active. From working shifts at the gift shop to knitting handmade goods for newborns, these volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization.
“It’s all about the hospital, and we’re all here for the love of it.” says Ginger. For many, volunteering with the UHA isn’t just about helping others; it’s also about building friendships and finding fulfillment in serving the community. Ginger adds, she’s absolutely delighted that all their hard work has resulted in a new hospital and they’ll continue to be here to support the hospital.
The UHA is constantly looking for new members. If you’re interested in getting involved and becoming a UHA volunteer, visit uxbridgecottagehospitalauxiliary.com or call 905-852-9771.
This holiday season, the Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary invites everyone to be part of their celebration – whether through volunteering or making a donation. What better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting an organization that has spent the past 70 years strengthening the Uxbridge community and supporting our hospital?
Happy 70th anniversary UHA!
