Mission Health Care Auxiliary is turning 100!

Click here to In 1920, group of women banded together and formed the “Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.” Led by its president, Emma Houlder, who was also a member of the newly formed Mission Memorial Hospital board, the two groups joined forces and rented a house on the corner of Third Avenue and Birch Street. With $150 raised from a bazaar, they were able to open the first hospital in Mission on May 15, 1920.  Until then, the nearest public hospital was in New Westminster.

After much fundraising, a new hospital was opened on James Street and Fifth Avenue on February 1925, named Mission Memorial Hospital as a living memorial to the men of Mission who died in the First World War. In 1965, the hospital moved again, to its present location on Hurd Street. 

In those early years, the ladies of the Auxiliary raised money for the hospital by means of raffles, bake sales, musical evenings, catering and even doing the laundry in their own homes. Now, most of their fundraising comes from the Gift Shop at Mission Memorial Hospital and the Cottage Thrift Store on First Avenue.  Completely run by volunteers, the Cottage Thrift Store’s popularity and growth have made it the greatest source of funding for the Auxiliary.

Their largest project-to-date saw them raising $300,000 over a 3-year period for a new ultrasound machine and renovations. They have also purchased all the televisions on the 2nd floor of the hospital.  They rent out the televisions and other medical equipment, such as crutches and walkers, for donations.  

Beyond fundraising, the Auxiliary offers services to patients and staff in the ambulatory day care and reception desk; volunteer at TRIM (The Residence in Mission), a long-term care facility; and help supply underwear, socks, sweatshirts, sweatpants and shoes in the ER. “So if some folks come in and they are living on the streets and their shoes are soaking wet and their socks and so on, we outfit them,” said Alyce Campbell, Past President.

Today’s members – now named the Mission Health Care Auxiliary Society – want to celebrate their 100th Anniversary this April 9, 2020 by holding the largest fundraising project in its history with a goal of $500,000. “It will go to the hospital, in some form or another,” said Joanne Bydal, Vice-President of the Auxiliary.

Bydal said the organization is the “best-kept secret in Mission. People don’t realize what we do.” Members have volunteered over 135,500 hours and have donated over $600,000 over the last five years.  Their mission is to support, enhance and promote health care in our community through volunteering and fundraising.

The Auxiliary has an ongoing need for volunteers. If you want to be a part of this great organization, give back to your community and meet new people, contact [email protected]