Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary

A dedicated group of retired men and women act as porters, transporting patients from their rooms for treatment or tests within the hospital. They often deliver supplies, papers, fill the pop machine and do other errands as needed.  Some are on duty once or twice a week, while others work only one day a month.

This winter there has been a severe shortage of porters due to illness and surgery, while some are on well-deserved vacations in the sunny south.  Have you considered being part of this wonderful crew who does so much good work in the halls of our hospital?  If you are willing to become involved or interested in learning more about this auxiliary program, please leave a message for Lorrie Lamb, director of volunteers at 789-0022 ext. 297 and she will return your call.

A charity car wash held at Bay Car Wash last spring, organized by Lyle Payne and the Silver Ambassadors of Huntsville, raised more than $4,300, enough to purchase a blanket/fluid pack warmer. This week Lyle joined chemo unit team leader Jody MacPherson, volunteer coordinator Diane Litchfield, and president Jean Wagner to check out the installation of the unit located just outside the chemotherapy clinic. Diane reported the warm blankets and packs, kept at exactly the correct temperature, were used and greatly appreciated by patients at this week’s clinic.

Earlier this month Wal-Mart store manager Karl Frechette and several members of his staff presented president Jean Wagner with a cheque for $610. The money was raised through Wal-Mart’s employee fundraising events, including a summer barbecue. This money will be put to good use at our hospital for patient services. The auxiliary would like to thank all Wal-Mart employees who worked to make this donation possible.

Thirty-one years ago, Diane Litchfield accepted an invitation from the late Betty Mitchell to attend a meeting of the hospital auxiliary at the old hospital where Fairvern now stands.  The Red Cross hospital was built on land that had been owned by her grandfather.   Diane’s family commitment and her interest in becoming a hospital volunteer started many years ago since her father, Andrew Kellock Jr., was the first treasurer of the hospital board.   

Through the years, Diane served as president and has chaired or co-chaired many events such as tag day, blood donor clinic, house tour, plant sale, card party, ski jamboree, televisions, and many more. Currently her main interest is convening volunteers for the chemo clinic, buying for the gift shop and serving on the steering committee of the Dragonboat Races.

On her scheduled day in the gift shop she greets visitors with a welcoming smile and always helps wherever and whenever she is needed.  In addition to the auxiliary, Diane served 10 years on the hospital board as well as several years with the Fairvern board. In recognition of her dedicated service, Diane was presented with a provincial life membership from the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario in 2000.

Diane finds her time spent volunteering very rewarding,  especially when she sees the benefits patients receive and how grateful they are for the work of the auxiliary.  She reminds readers that more volunteers are always needed.