Since 1967, The St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary members have worked tirelessly in their efforts to support the St. Clare's community, and our roles have evolved with the years to reflect changes in the hospital and the regional health authorities.

The Auxiliary first formed as a response to Sister Mary Fabian's (the hospital administrator at the time) call for an Auxiliary Guild and held its first Annual General Meeting in June of 1967. The initial principles of volunteers for the Auxiliary were:

1. That each volunteer could help the Hospital in its objective of "the best patient care"
2. Each can be a public relations representative of our hospital in our community.
3. The Auxiliary's aim would be to augment services to the patients of a kind not possible through the routine programs and budget of the Hospital.

Almost 60 years later our objectives remain the same: to enhance patient care and services, and to represent the hospital to the best of our ability. Our volunteers are currently involved in several programs including friendly visiting, therapeutic recreation program, hydration rounds, geriatric support volunteer in the ER, hair washing program and operating the St. Clare’s Auxiliary Gift Shop. 

In addition to the social supports provided by our volunteers, the Auxiliary has long been an important fundraiser for the Hospital, providing funds for new equipment within various areas of the hospital. Since 1967, the Auxiliary has given over $2.7 million to support various hospital initiatives. Our largest fundraising source is the Gift Shop which has been in operation throughout our entire existence. Staffed by volunteers, the Gift Shop serves the hospital staff, patients, clients and families by providing a wide variety of items including items for daily necessities, giftware, handcrafted items, locally sourced books and religious materials. All proceeds from the Gift Shop are donated back to the hospital for equipment or departmental needs. Additionally, throughout the year the Auxiliary sell tickets and used books and collect funds from various sources.

Working in collaboration with the Health Care Foundation the Auxiliary contributes to several important large scale initiatives throughout NL Health Services. The Auxiliary has donated funds toward hospital equipment for various projects within the St. Clare's hospital including the Cardiac Care Program, Comfort in Care program and the Peaceful Ports projects.

The Auxiliary places a call for equipment requests from the various units throughout the hospital, in the aim of providing equipment that is otherwise inaccessible, and yet makes a significant impact on the patient experience. This ranges from a pulmonary exercise test system, two cell saver machine, a stretcher bed for the physiotherapy team in the Intensive Care Unit, a hand hygiene project, to a portable endoscopic swallowing evaluation scope, bladder scanner, exercise equipment, a wide range of specialty chairs, bariatric equipment and much more. Additionally, the Auxiliary supports students and staff by funding annual scholarships.

More critical than financial contributions is the sense of community and social aspect of our volunteer programs. Many of our volunteers remain members of the Auxiliary for years or even decades, a true sign of their dedication and enjoyment of the work. Our student volunteers often find themselves seeking careers in health-related fields, inspired by their time spent at St. Clare's. As we reflect on our history it is clear to see how we have evolved to fit the modern needs of the hospital, and yet, while our programs and projects have changed over the years, the dedication of our volunteers and the impact we have on the St. Clare's community has not wavered.

For more information about St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary or volunteering at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital please call Volunteer Resources at 709-777-5539.