The Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary is celebrating the contributions of hundreds of volunteers after holding its annual meeting at Northumberland Hills Hospital on Thursday.
The Auxiliary currently has 319 volunteers supporting 18 service areas at the hospital, providing assistance to patients, families, staff and visitors.
The organization contributed $240,000 to NHH during the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. The donation helped fund a new HUGS system, which supports newborns.
The Auxiliary’s two retail operations played a significant role in the fundraising. The Little Treasure Shop generated $75,000 in annual contributions, while Petticoat Lane, the Auxiliary’s thrift store on Munroe Street in Cobourg, recorded $155,000 in sales. Members have approved a further $240,000 pledge to NHH for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year.
The Auxiliary says it has raised $5.6 million during its more than 100 years of existence, including nearly $4 million since NHH opened at its current location on DePalma Drive in 2003.
The annual meeting included recognition for 23 volunteers who received long service pins for between five and 55 years of service.
Vera Wellman was recognized for 55 years of volunteer service. Seven volunteers received five year pins, three were recognized for 10 years, four for 15 years, seven for 20 years and one for 25 years.
The Auxiliary says volunteers support virtually every department at NHH, including the Emergency Department, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Intensive Care, Palliative Care, and Cancer and Supportive Care.
Volunteers provide services including greeting patients and guests, wayfinding assistance, delivering water to patient rooms and offering support and companionship.
The organization says volunteer support has continued to grow despite national trends showing declines in hospital volunteering. New initiatives include Saturday hours at the Little Treasure Shop, the return of ICU volunteer service and a pilot program supporting Community Mental Health.
The 2026 to 2027 Auxiliary Board will be led by President Rick Riley.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
