Share in Our Story - A monthly feature from The Groves Foundation
Groves Hospital Volunteer Association and
The 3 Million Dollar Milestone
As part of National Volunteer Week, Groves Hospital will hold their annual Appreciation Tea for the Groves Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA).
GHVA has actively participated in providing care and comfort to Groves patients for eighty-two years. Since 1933, GHVA volunteers have demonstrated that they are truly exceptional people--always taking time out of their own busy lives to help others. GHVA has always been a leader in their commitment to Groves and to our community. “Giving back to our community is important”, said Margaret Duffield, a GHVA member for over thirtyfive years. Volunteering their time and expertise, GHVA assists with duties that benefit patients within Groves Hospital. From supporting staff in the emergency room, to their Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), managing the Gift Shop, information desk, assisting with breast screenings, wheelchair repairs, delivering patient meals and managing the New to You Thrift Store (where all their proceeds are donated to Groves Hospital), GHVA tasks are as varied as the volunteers themselves. As diverse as our GHVA is, each one of them shares one common trait: the willingness to help.
In 1933, GHVA made Centre Wellington history as the first cash contributor to Groves Hospital. With the funds provided by their membership fees, GHVA (then called “Aid for the Hospital”) purchased the very first piece of hospital equipment: a wringer washer and two tubs for the laundry at a cost of $8. In 2002, the GHVA unanimously voted to support the Groves Hospital Redevelopment Fund. They pledged an unprecedented $1,000,000 –the largest cash gift in Centre Wellington’s history. That $1,000,000 gift was made to purchase PACS (Picture Archival and Communications System); ensuring Groves met international healthcare standards by converting the Diagnostic Imaging department from film to digital imaging. Less than two years later, GHVA presented Groves with $450,000--the first installment of their $1,000,000 commitment. And while they fulfilled their pledge in early 2009, GHVA also announced an additional $500,000 pledge for a new CT scanner for our hospital. This was the second largest cash gift in Centre Wellington’s history which they fulfilled one year ahead of time.
Volunteering is about generosity and our belief that we can make a difference. “It’s a lovely way to get out and be with people while supporting our current and future hospital at the same time”, said Helen Stevenson, an active volunteer at The Hospital Gift Shop. Since 1933, GHVA has certainly made a significant difference –they’ve gifted over $3 million to Groves Hospital! With a membership of 265 active volunteers, the GHVA is looking for approximately 40 more members to reach their goal of 300 volunteers by the end of 2015. This will ensure that all exceptional services offered by GHVA (both inside and outside our hospital) can continue to serve our community in an exceptional way. If you are interested in joining the GHVA you can contact Carmine Paterson, Manager, Volunteer Services at (519) 843-2010 extension 3206.
The New GROVES
Close to home. Far from Ordinary.