Celebrating Volunteer Week at SMH

May 02, 2025

The Power of Giving: Celebrating The SMH Auxiliary During National Volunteer Week

 At Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), volunteers are essential to the care we provide and the sense of community we foster. This National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to honour the dedicated individuals who give their time, energy, and compassion to support our hospital in so many meaningful ways.

With over 77 active members and 22 Student volunteers this year, the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has been a driving force behind our hospital since its founding in 1928. From running the Treasures & Treats Gift Shop, to offering guidance at the Information Desk, to providing spiritual care and a warm smile to patients, the Auxiliary’s contributions touch nearly every corner of our hospital. Through their hands-on support and ongoing fundraising, these volunteers help elevate the experience for patients, families, and staff alike.

A Legacy of Giving: The History of the SMH Auxiliary

The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s roots stretch back to the very beginnings of our hospital’s story. In 1928, when SMH first opened its doors, the Auxiliary was already there, offering essential support. By 1932, the Auxiliary had become actively involved in the day-to-day life of the hospital. Although activities were paused during World War II, the spirit of giving never faded. In 1960, the Auxiliary was officially restarted, ushering in a new era of volunteer support.

Over the decades, the Auxiliary’s impact has grown exponentially:

• In 1978, donations to the hospital surpassed $66,000.
• By 2011, the Auxiliary completed a $100,000 fundraising commitment for a new CT scanner.
• In 2018, lifetime donations topped an incredible $1 million.
• In 2019, the Auxiliary exceeded $250,000 in contributions for the redevelopment project.

Their fundraising efforts between 2010 and 2021 are equally inspiring:

• The Gift Shop and Coffee Corner raised $444,707.
• Tag Day campaigns from 2010 to 2019 brought in $44,060.
• In total, from 2010 to 2021, $542,218 was given directly to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation to enhance patient care and services.
• In 2024 the Treasures & Treats Gift Shop exceeded $100,000 in total revenue and the Auxiliary donated $68,851 towards the Hospital.

Thanks to the dedication of Auxiliary volunteers past and present, Stevenson Memorial Hospital continues to thrive, proving that the power of giving can truly transform a community.

We connected with several of our volunteers to learn what motivates them, what they love most about their roles, and what they’d say to someone considering joining the Auxiliary.

"It’s appreciated — even the little things."

Faye Elines, who has volunteered at SMH for over 15 years, shared her thoughts simply and sincerely: 

“I enjoy doing this. It helps staff when we step up and do something without being asked — and it’s appreciated. The patients can also give you a thumbs up when you visit.” 

It’s a sentiment shared by many volunteers — that the smallest gestures can mean the world to someone in need.

From staff to volunteer, a full-circle journey.

Carla Beckett, a former Auxiliary president, has a long-standing connection to SMH:

“I moved to Alliston from Victoria in 2002 and started working at the hospital right away… I came back and joined the Auxiliary in 2012 as Secretary and have been on the executive committee ever since.”
Today, Carla is a member of the Spiritual Care Team, visiting patients and offering a listening ear and gentle encouragement.

“We receive as many blessings as the patients do as we sit bedside, listening to their stories.” 

She encourages others to get involved: 

“I encourage anyone who is looking for an opportunity to share their skills, knowledge and abilities, to consider joining our Auxiliary. It doesn’t take long before you feel the friendship of the members and know you are providing an important service to our hospital and to our community...Stevenson Memorial Hospital feels like a community to me. I love our hospital and look forward to its upcoming redevelopment.”

Bright smiles at the front desk.

You can often find Donna Ross at the Information Desk, where she’s volunteered for over five years.

“I enjoy meeting people and interacting with them… I also put together colouring pages and crayons for the children, and give out finger puppets. Plus, I help patients find their way if they get lost. The hospital staff is good to work with too.”

Donna is one of the many volunteers who make visiting the hospital a little friendlier for patients and families alike.

Turning retirement into opportunity.

Karin Jaeger, the manager of the Treasures & Treats Gift Shop, found her way to SMH in 2017: 

“I retired after 35 years working at Rexall… I stayed home for 6 months, and then I got bored.” 

A chance conversation on Tag Day, one of the Auxiliary’s fundraising events, led to a new purpose: 

“I went grocery shopping one day, and it was Tag Day, and [one of the Auxiliary volunteers] was at the door handing out tags. We got to chatting, and she suggested I come volunteer here.” 

“There are many people who come here, and they just need to talk sometimes while they’re waiting. We do that, we listen. We sell a lot of stuffed animals because they’re comforting for people, even adults. It’s very rewarding. It gives you a really nice feeling.” 

For those interested in volunteering, her advice is simple:

“It’s very rewarding, it gives you a really nice feeling, and it’s nice to be out and talk to people and get out of the house.” 

Giving back, one interaction at a time.

For Glenn Lesperance, volunteering offers a way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully. 

“I was retired and decided that complete retirement wasn’t for me, so I needed something interesting to do with my spare time… it’s nice to give back.” 

From his post near the Emergency Department, Glenn is a friendly and calming presence, noting how incredible our community is and how grateful he is to help:

 

“It takes effort and time, and if you’re willing to give those things, this is the best environment by far to be able to volunteer.”

 

Building connections and inspiring the next generation.

Susan Kean was inspired by her mother’s example and now supports student volunteer recruitment at SMH as well as managing the Information Desk schedule. 

“When I retired, I found I needed to find something to do other than just golfing. I remembered that my mom volunteered at SMH a long time ago, so I decided to apply,” Susan reflects. 

“Being the Information Desk convener and the student volunteer recruiter, I have met many wonderful people who enjoy volunteering as much as I do. Volunteering is a great way to meet and help people in and around the hospital.”

Thank you to all of our volunteers! 

Whether they’re welcoming patients, guiding visitors, stocking the gift shop shelves, or sitting quietly with someone in need, our volunteers demonstrate care in action every single day.

Your generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment bring light and life to Stevenson Memorial Hospital. 

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Learn more by visiting the Volunteer page on our website, or dropping by the Information Desk. You’ll be joining a legacy of compassion that spans nearly a century — and making a difference that lasts a lifetime.