NHH Auxiliary AGM provides amazing numbers
2026 long service recipients. Photo submitted.
By Cecilia Nasmith
The $240,000 pledge the Northumberland Hills Auxiliary approved for the hospital in its 2026-2027 year is just the tip of a $5.6-million iceberg – that amount being the sum total the auxiliary has raised for the hospital in its century-plus history.
Of that amount, almost $4-million has been raised since NHH opened its doors at 1000 DePalma Dr. in 2003.
This is just part of the news that came out of the Auxiliary's annual general meeting last week, as was recognition of 23 of its 319 dedicated volunteers for periods of service ranging from five to 55 years.
Members met in the hospital's Peter B. and Mary T. Smith Education Centre, greeted with a keynote address by hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walsh that reviewed the many projects completed over the last fiscal year with volunteer support.
“Volunteers are essential to NHH,” Walsh said.
“Our shared purpose of People First is about more than delivering exceptional clinical care. It's creating an environment where every interaction helps to foster a positive relationship with patients, families, staff, providers and partners. NHH wouldn't be NHH without volunteers and the support, creativity, compassion and energy that you bring to our hospital.”
Auxiliary volunteers currently support 18 service areas at the hospital and run two retail operations – the Little Treasure Shop gift shop located near the hospital entrance and the Petticoat Lane thrift store at 25 Munroe St., Cobourg.
Auxiliary President Rick Riley said that these two stores had contributed some $240,000 over the past year that enabled NHH to purchase a new HUGS system to support newborns.
NHH Vice-president of Patient Experience, Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Jennifer Gillard gave an update on volunteer operations and the hospital's efforts to ensure a positive experience for their work.
Citing Statistics Canada's 2025 report Volunteering and Charitable Giving in Canada, Gillard noted the tough challenges many hospitals face with declines in volunteer support, and the ripple effect on patient experience.
“Despite national trends in the other direction, the NHH Auxiliary is growing and stronger than it has ever been,” she stated.
“Volunteers, and particularly Auxiliary volunteers, are literally everywhere. Services are well supported, with the addition of Saturday hours of operation introduced for the Little Treasure Shop, ICU volunteer service now resumed, and volunteer supports in Community Mental Health now being piloted.
“NHH – and the patients and families we serve – are grateful for all you do, and we would not be NHH without you,” Gillard said.
The board for the coming year consists of President Rick Riley, Vice-president Deb Smelko, Past President Selena Forsyth, Director of Business Services Susan Spicer, Director of Finance Richard Holland and Directors at Large Karen Lingard and Grace Rivers.
Following a moment of silence for the 13 active and past Auxiliary members who passed away in the last year, long-serving volunteers were recognized, including 55-year volunteer Vera Wellman.
“Volunteers, may you be proud of the work you do, the person you are and the difference you make,” Wellman told the group.
Wytske Bertsch, Jamie Finan, Laura Garton, Ann Hancock, Mary Robson, Kathy Rosskopf and Cathy Sullivan were recognized for five years of service.
Mary Henry, Joanne Power and Mary Witty were recognized for 10 years.
Celia Crangle, Margaret Darrah, Dianne Graham and Maria Widdifield were recognized for 15 years.
Judy Benne, Dale Hodge, Carole Houston, E, Lorraine Manseym, Linda Sedgewick-Girard, Linda Smith and Marlynne Warling were recognized for 20 years.
And Lori Bernstein was honoured for a quarter-century of service.
