About Us
The Women’s Hospital Auxiliary held their first meeting on April 28, 1938 with a founding membership of 35. Over 85-years later, active members comprised of adult and student volunteers exceeds 140.
In October of 1974, the name was changed to the Belleville Hospital Auxiliary (BGHA) to reflect the inclusion of men as volunteers.
In 1957, auxiliary volunteers participated in one service at Belleville General and by 1962 volunteers were working in eight different programs. Today our volunteers are involved in over 20 programs throughout the hospital and are valued by hospital staff, patients and their families.
In the beginning, BGHA was the only source of fundraising to assist with equipment, furnishings and renovations for Belleville General Hospital.
During the first decade, approximately $9,565 was raised through such events as bridge tournaments, dances, fashion shows and tag days. Since 1938, the Auxiliary has raised over $4,261,779 and counting!
With the introduction of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation (BGHF) in 1982 to meet a growing demand and rising cost for equipment, fundraising is not the main focus of BGHA. It’s, however, something that is still embraced including a 5-year commitment of $100,000 through BGHF for the Fracture Clinic renovations.
The established membership fee of 25 cents was set in April 1938 which was then increased to 50 cents in October of the same year. The fees were not increased again until 1953 where annual membership fees went from 50¢ to $1. Today, Auxiliary memberships are $5 for Active and $10 for Non-Active members.
Mission Statement
The Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary Inc. (BGHA) offers volunteer services for the benefit of clients and staff of Quinte Health’s Belleville General Hospital and for the community at large. BGHA’s fundraising projects support the in-hospital programs and work of the BGHA and from time to time, augment medical equipment purchases as requested by Quinte Health. BGHA concurs with the Mission Statement of Quinte Health and adapts its services to the needs of its healthcare system.
Testimonials
“The family care room furnished and managed by the auxiliary has been so great! It’s used every day, often multiple times a day. We use it for family meetings, but I’ve also started to notice some families going in and using the room just when they need a quiet space. Staff and physicians are very happy to have a space they can direct our families to. It has been amazing having it set up.”
The Women’s Hospital Auxiliary was organized April 28, 1938, at a meeting held in the City Hall Council Chambers by a Private Member’s Bill, passed in the Provincial Legislature. In 1955, the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary was granted representation on the Belleville General Hospital Board of Governors.