A Work of Love
When you visit the Niagara Falls hospital, one of the first things you see is a beautiful gift shop, where you can get anything from reading glasses to decorations to clothing. You may not know that the beautiful store is run entirely by volunteers, the Niagara Falls Hospital Auxiliary. “All of the proceeds from the gift shop go towards urgently needed equipment at the Niagara Falls Hospital,” explains Clara Garritano, President of the Auxiliary.
Over the years, the group has raised millions of dollars and hopes to once again make a $100,000 gift to the Niagara Health Foundation this year. “When I get sick, I need to have a place I can go,” says Betty Lou, one of the loyal volunteers, and adds that being part of the Auxiliary and raising funds for the hospital is a great source of pride for her.
Auxiliary President Clara, who worked in the hospital’s administration for 40 years before joining the Auxiliary, was reminded of the importance of their work when she herself needed the hospital. “After I retired, I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, so I experienced the healthcare system as a patient, not as a worker.” Clara had to go on dialysis and was grateful that she was able to get her treatments close to home.
“There was a time when people had to go to Hamilton for dialysis, and I remember the Auxiliary fundraising to bring this equipment to Niagara Falls. So I got to see first-hand how much our work matters. At some point in your life, you will need the hospital. And just like other people put this hospital here for us, we have to ensure that it is here for those who come after us.”
The Auxiliary is currently looking for more volunteers to continue their remarkable fundraising efforts. “I always say you retire from work, not from life,” says Clara, encouraging people to get involved. While the Auxiliary has many fond memories of the current Niagara Falls hospital, they are excited to watch the new hospital being built and look forward to having a bigger space for their gift shop at the new site.
To learn more about how you can get involved, email foundation@niagarahealth.on.ca or call 905-378-4647.
A Work of Love
When you visit the Niagara Falls hospital, one of the first things you see is a beautiful gift shop, where you can get anything from reading glasses to decorations to clothing. You may not know that the beautiful store is run entirely by volunteers, the Niagara Falls Hospital Auxiliary. “All of the proceeds from the gift shop go towards urgently needed equipment at the Niagara Falls Hospital,” explains Clara Garritano, President of the Auxiliary.
Over the years, the group has raised millions of dollars and hopes to once again make a $100,000 gift to the Niagara Health Foundation this year. “When I get sick, I need to have a place I can go,” says Betty Lou, one of the loyal volunteers, and adds that being part of the Auxiliary and raising funds for the hospital is a great source of pride for her.
Auxiliary President Clara, who worked in the hospital’s administration for 40 years before joining the Auxiliary, was reminded of the importance of their work when she herself needed the hospital. “After I retired, I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, so I experienced the healthcare system as a patient, not as a worker.” Clara had to go on dialysis and was grateful that she was able to get her treatments close to home.
“There was a time when people had to go to Hamilton for dialysis, and I remember the Auxiliary fundraising to bring this equipment to Niagara Falls. So I got to see first-hand how much our work matters. At some point in your life, you will need the hospital. And just like other people put this hospital here for us, we have to ensure that it is here for those who come after us.”
The Auxiliary is currently looking for more volunteers to continue their remarkable fundraising efforts. “I always say you retire from work, not from life,” says Clara, encouraging people to get involved. While the Auxiliary has many fond memories of the current Niagara Falls hospital, they are excited to watch the new hospital being built and look forward to having a bigger space for their gift shop at the new site.
To learn more about how you can get involved, email foundation@niagarahealth.on.ca or call 905-378-4647.
