Community Support

From a wish list provided by medical personnel, the Auxiliary executive determine which items we prefer to support to aid care and comfort.  Over the period 2018-2022, our contributions to significant purchases have amounted to $548,000.  In 2022, $91,000 was earmarked for ECG carts and med carts.   So far in 2023, we have supported a shopping list of 20 smaller pieces of equipment amounting to $42,000 as well as a $25,000 contribution toward the Hospital Foundation’s campaign for two automated dispensing cabinets.  

Donation plaques at the hospital  itemize the most significant contributions that the Auxiliary has provided over recent years.  

We have provisions of $36,000 in our annual budget to fund the following:  

• Cairnsmore Place where Tea & Visiting socializing happens and our Tuck Shop offers a limited range of merchandise.
• Surgical sponges for patients to perform pre-op self-cleaning at home before surgery.
• Grooming kits for patients who find themselves  unexpectedly staying overnight at the hospital.
• Layettes -a selection of baby clothing and other items for newborns of families in need.
• Baby toques for every baby born at Cowichan District Hospital.
• The Santa Project provides a gift bag for every patient at CDH.
• WIFI service for the public at the hospital and Cowichan Hospice House.
• Pediatric Care Toys for children to focus on while awaiting treatment at the hospital.

The Auxiliary provides a number of bursaries every year for students who have participated in the Youth Volunteer Step-Up Program operated by Island Health at the Hospital.

In addition to the above, the Auxiliary to CDH makes an annual donation to:

• Cowichan Hospice House
• Cairnsmore Place