Flags at Northumberland Hills Hospital will fly at half-mast Thursday in memory of 13 Auxiliary volunteers who passed away over the last year.
The annual tribute coincides with the Auxiliary’s annual meeting and recognizes volunteers whose combined service to the hospital totalled more than 197 years.
Hospital officials say the tradition honours the lasting impact volunteers have on patient care, hospital services and the broader community.
Today, nearly 300 Auxiliary volunteers contribute across 18 service areas, logging close to 35,000 hours in 2025 alone. They greet patients and visitors, provide wayfinding assistance, deliver water to patient rooms and support patients and families in departments including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Care and Palliative Care.
Specially trained volunteers also participate in the Hospital Elder Life Program, helping prevent delirium and functional decline among hospitalized seniors.
Beyond patient care, volunteers staff the Little Treasure Shop gift shop and Petticoat Lane thrift store, helping raise funds for essential medical equipment.
“We are so grateful for the many talented and dedicated NHH Auxiliary volunteers who give their time to support NHH patients and families,” said hospital president and CEO Susan Walsh. “The annual flag lowering is a way to remember those volunteers who have passed this year, and to recognize their contributions to the hospital and their commitment to fostering a positive relationship with patients, families, staff, providers and partners.”
Among those being remembered is active volunteer Robert “Bob” McKenzie, who served from 2019 to 2025. The hospital is also recognizing 12 former Auxiliary volunteers whose service dates ranged from one year to more than five decades.
Hospital officials say the volunteers’ dedication continues to strengthen patient care while supporting the purchase of vital capital equipment.
