The health care foundations and auxiliaries in the Northern Health region play a key role supporting the needs of our hospitals, health care centres, and health services. Each foundation, society and auxiliary is made up of a board of community leaders, countless volunteers, and in some cases a professional staff of fund raisers and support services.
The foundations and auxiliaries support patient programs and services in their communities by raising funds to purchase vital medical, diagnostic, and surgical equipment. They work tirelessly to meet the challenge of limited health care budgets and increasing demands for services. Thanks to the generosity of community members, businesses and service clubs, health care experiences are enhanced for patients and their families.
Bulkley Valley Health Care & Hospital Foundation
The Bulkley Valley Health Care and Hospital Foundation was formed in 2011 to raise funds and give community members the opportunity to support local health care facilities and programs in the Bulkley Valley.
Website: www.bvhealthfoundation.ca
Phone: 250-877-7639
Email: info@bvhealthfoundation.ca
Mailing address: PO Box 551, Smithers BC V0J 2N0
Chetwynd & District Hospital Foundation
The Chetwynd & District Hospital Foundation was established in 1998. The foundation is a registered non-profit organization governed by a board of volunteer directors and a representative from the hospital administration and medical staff.
Organizations, individuals and businesses are welcome to contribute to the current fund-raising campaign designated for a special equipment purchase. If no designation is given, the donation is used in the area of greatest need.
Our mission is to encourage donations, accept gifts and manage these funds for the purpose of providing or enhancing patient care needs of the Chetwynd General Hospital.
Facebook page: Chetwynd and District Hospital Foundation
Email: chethospital@gmail.com
Mailing address: PO Box 121, Chetwynd BC V0C 1J0
Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation
Opportunities abound for those wanting to volunteer or support quality health care in the local hospital. Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation was incorporated in November 1992 as a registered charitable organization. The Foundation was formed to assist in supplementing the capital equipment needs of Dawson Creek and District Hospital.
The Foundation's mission statement reflects the community's commitment to patient health care. The Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation is committed to raising funds for crucial patient care equipment and other special programs that will help Dawson Creek and District Hospital provide for you, your family and friends.
Website: www.dchospitalfoundation.ca
Phone: 250-784-7355
Email: dcdhfoundation@northernhealth.ca
Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation - City of Terrace
The Dr. R.E.M. Lee Hospital Foundation has been supporting Ksyen Regional Hospital and Terraceview Lodge as a registered charity since 1988, and has purchased over $4 million dollars of medical equipment with the support of businesses, community groups and individuals.
Purchases such as an Ophthalmic Surgical Microscope and an ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat) surgical StealthStation™ Imaging Navigation System in recent years have contributed to expanding and enhancing medical services at our ‘hub’ hospital, for patients from as far away as Haida Gwaii, north to the Yukon border and east to Dease Lake and Burns Lake!
Because of the efforts of the REM Lee Foundation, 21 medical specialists now call Terrace home and have the technology to offer the best health care services available in the Northwest! This has significantly reduced the costly need for patients to travel to larger centers like Prince George or Vancouver for diagnosis and treatment.
Together we can make a difference!
Website: www.remleehospitalfoundation.org
Phone: 250-641-5526
Email: remleehospitalfoundation@gmail.com
Fort Nelson Hospital & Healthcare Foundation
The Fort Nelson Hospital & Healthcare Foundation was founded in 1993 by Dr. Anthony Kenyon when health care administration in British Columbia changed to allow local donations to be managed by the local hospital board.
In November 2003, the Fort Nelson Hospital Foundation was formed in order to ensure that donations were used specifically to benefit the Fort Nelson Hospital. The Foundation is managed by seven volunteer directors and the members at large.
Today the Foundation is well known for its work on enhancing health care in Fort Nelson and the surrounding area.
Facebook page: Fort Nelson Hospital Healthcare Foundation
Phone: 250-774-8135
Fax: 250-774-8135
Mobile: 250-774-8135
Mailing address: Bag 1000, Fort Nelson BC V0C 1R0
Fort St. John Hospital Foundation
The FSJ Hospital Foundation has one goal – enhancing patient care in the North Peace. The primary focus of the FSJ Hospital Foundation remains centered on acquiring vital equipment that enhances the patient experience and reduces the necessity for patients to travel outside our community for treatment.
Furthermore, by ensuring our hospital is well-equipped, we empower healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to excel in their roles while streamlining processes and enhancing efficiencies through cutting-edge technology.
Website: www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca
Phone: 250-261-7563
Email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca
Mailing Address: 8407 112 Ave, Fort St. John BC V1J 0J5
Kitimat General Hospital Foundation
The Kitimat General Hospital Foundation is an all-volunteer, charitable organization dedicated to strengthening health care for the citizens of Kitimat.
The Foundation works closely with Kitimat health professionals and Northern Health to identify facility and equipment needs that will improve health outcomes for Kitimat residents.
It also serves as a vehicle through which citizens, businesses, organizations and industry can direct funds towards Kitimat’s health care needs. All donations are directed either toward identified health care projects or to projects specified by donors.
Website: www.kghf.ca
Phone: 250-632-8348
Email: kghfoffice@gmail.com
Northern BC - BC Cancer Foundation
The BC Cancer Agency's Centre for the North – the Agency’s sixth regional centre – provides access to cancer care for all Northerners.
As the BC Cancer Agency’s fundraising arm and as BC’s leading cancer research and care charity, the BC Cancer Foundation was part of the new centre when it opened in 2012.
The Centre for the North is next to the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) in Prince George. It brings together a team of care providers with an interdisciplinary, patient-centered approach.
Website: www.bccancerfoundation.com
Phone: 604-877-6040
Toll-free 1-888-906-2873
Fax: 250-564-2247
North Coast Health Improvement Society
North Coast Health Improvement Society is registered charity which was incorporated in 2002.
Our Society receives donations, bequests and holds fundraisers though the year and applies these funds to support programs and purchase equipment, that will benefit the health and wellness of the residents of the North Coast. All donations are respectfully earmarked as per all donors’ requests.
We have a close working relationship with the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, corporate businesses and other not for profit societies, so we can facilitate large projects by working together.
Facebook page: North Coast Health Improvement Society
Email: nchis@outlook.com
Mailing address: PO Box 326, Prince Rupert BC V8J 3P9
Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation
Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation is dedicated to bringing the very best in care closer to home, throughout Northern BC. This includes the area served by the University Hospital of Northern BC, along with over 130 other facilities throughout the three service delivery areas of the Northern Interior (Prince George), Northwest (Terrace) and the Northeast (Fort St. John) and every community in between.
The region has responded very generously in the 30 years since the Foundation was created. Thanks to passionate community members, we have contributed towards advancements for capital equipment, improvements, and supporting the education of health care workers and medical staff in the North.
Contact us to learn more about our mission and how you can help bring the very best in care closer to home.
Website: www.spiritofthenorth.ca
Phone: 250-565-2515
Toll-free: 1-877-565-2515
Fax: 250-565-2595
Wrinch Memorial Hospital Foundation
The Wrinch Memorial Hospital Foundation, a cornerstone of community support and development in the Upper Skeena region. Our Board includes representatives from all local communities, including the Gitksan Government Commission, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, the Village of Hazelton, and the District of New Hazelton, as well as Elders and other community members.
- Charitable status and donations:
- We have charitable status with the CRA, enabling us to receive donations for equipment and minor capital improvements for the Wrinch Memorial Hospital.
- Assisted living and housing projects:
- We own and operate Skeena Place, a 6-unit assisted living facility funded by BC Housing and Northern Health.
- We are constructing a 31-unit apartment building in Hazelton, set to open in early 2025, offering various levels of tenant housing subsidies.
- Gracelynn Family Centre programs:
- Our programs include Starting Smart (pregnancy outreach), Stepping Stones (toddler program), and Little Flowers (play group/learning hub).
- We support the local OAT program by providing nutritious food to those struggling with addiction.
- Community and food security initiatives:
- Our Food from The Heart program teaches food preservation techniques and supports the local OAT program.
- We operate the Hazelton Community Garden, providing food security and fresh produce to the local food bank.
- Seniors programs:
- We offer a variety of seniors programs, including exercise, social activities, digital learning, and volunteer navigation, funded by grants from New Horizons, United Way, and other agencies.
- Partnerships and collaborations:
- We partner with numerous local organizations to enhance community services and support grant applications.
We are committed to serving our diverse community, which is 93% Gitxsan/Wet’suwet’en, through a decolonizing lens and centering Indigenous-led knowledge. Thank you for your interest in the Wrinch Memorial Hospital Foundation. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and support our community together. Grateful to live and work on Gitxsan Lax’yip.
Website: www.wrinchmemorialfoundation.ca
Phone: 250-842-5217
Auxiliary To University Hospital Of Northern BC
The auxiliary is back in the gift shop, check out our opening hours!
CELEBRATING 100 years strong!
The Auxiliary to UHNBC has been an integral part of the hospital community, working hard to provide visitors, patients, physicians and staff with comfort and an array of other services.
Our membership now numbering 140 plus provides an information desk located at the main hospital entrance, members who host bingo and birthday teas, a library providing magazines and books for patients and visitors, a patient menu service which helps incoming patients with their menu selection card, and senior visiting. The Auxiliary also has many quilters and knitters who provide items to the pediatric/neonatal care unit, and to our gift shop.
Funding to purchase needed equipment is provided by our gift shop, located at the main hospital entrance and a thrift shop, fondly known as HATS, located on Third Avenue in downtown Prince George.
In 2018 and 2019 the Auxiliary was able to donate just over $361,000 to provide the following: Boditrak Pressure Mapping System, Portable Ultra Sound, Rapid Transfuse, Ultra Sound Table, Manoscan Gastric Motilities System, Locomotion Therapy Trainer, and Jubilee Lodge bed and room upgrades.
The Auxiliary works hand in hand with the Foundation, Spirit of the North and Northern Health to provide the above and much more. For more information or if you would like to volunteer please check out our website at www.pgauxiliary.ca
Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital
110 years of continuous service!
The Ladies Auxiliary to First Quesnel Hospital was the title given to this newly formed auxiliary, however, in 1955 when the new hospital was built it became The Auxiliary to the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital with the “ladies” being dropped to make way for new male members.
There are 31 members of which 5 are inactive, therefore this small group works very hard to cover our various departments. We operate a gift shop in the hospital, as well a “comfort” cart to the wards. We handle the recycling of bottle, cans and cartons from the hospital, service the juice/pop machine, organize and run several fund raisers throughout the year, such as bake sales, tag days, book sales, as well as handle generous donations from community groups. We require a minimum of 25 members just to cover 1 week.
During this past year we have already spent just over $100,000 on new hospital equipment. The auxiliary also annually awards a $500 bursary to a student taking further education in the north in a medical related field.
President: Louis Beaulieu
Bulkley Valley District Hospital Auxiliary
Bulkley Valley District Hospital Auxiliary, in Smithers was founded in June 1920…and will be celebrating 100 years very soon. We work under the umbrella of BC Association of Health- Care Auxiliaries, who provide us with support and education. The NW Area hospital auxiliaries take turns hosting an annual Conference usually held in September, for support and education. We learn a lot by networking with each other.
Our auxiliary prayer, states, “We (auxilians), strive to bring comfort and hope to all who are in distress of mind or body…and ask for wisdom and humility in directing our efforts to do for others as thou would have us do”. Our goal is to provide hospital equipment to keep our doctors and visiting specialists here in Smithers, so that our community can receive as much care near home as possible. The Auxiliary proudly donates approximately $200,000 each year for equipment.
Locally we have 65 – 70 active members (with a few men too) who volunteer mainly at our New to You Thrift Store and the hospital Gift Shop. The Thrift store was taken over by the Auxiliary on November 1, 1988. We have a very busy thrift shop, which is open Monday to Saturday from 10 – 4 (except holidays).
We are blessed to receive much in the way of gently used items that we can then re-sell to our customers. We have dedicated customers who faithfully shop our store and keep us very busy. We are a definite asset to this community. We have outgrown our store and have recently begun construction of an addition to the store.
Our Gift Shop is open Monday to Friday 12 – 3 pm. They offer a variety of gift items, snacks, and handmade knitted and crocheted baby clothes and blankets. They also offer a few “emergency stay” items on hand.
We have a Junior Volunteer program for high school students who commit to 1 – 2 hours per week interacting with patients at the hospital and Bulkley Lodge. Five bursaries are offered each spring totaling $6500 to graduating high school students.
We celebrate our volunteers every spring by hosting a dinner along with some entertainment. We are always looking for new volunteers to join our ranks and learn to love this way of “giving back”. Interested persons can contact us through our Thrift Shop, at 250-847-2424.
Dawson Creek & District Auxiliary
The Dawson Creek and District Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1932.
For 90 years, the Hospital Auxiliary has supported patients, visitors and staff. Through the operation of the Gift Shop, we have raised an impressive amount of money to aid in the purchase of much needed medical equipment and supplies to support patient comfort.
Our Auxiliary annually provides two scholarships of $1000 each to support local high school students who intend to pursue advanced education in health care.
We continue to celebrate the arrival of the New Year’s baby and Mother’s Day baby.
It is estimated that during the last 90 years, our Auxiliary has contributed over a 1/4 million volunteer hours and has raised over a million dollars to support health care in our community
Post Covid-19 - Since being able to re-open on February 9, 2022, the joyful reaction of staff to our return is very gratifying.
President: Fern Hansen
Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary
The Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary has been providing patient care services since 1932!
Who are we?
We are a non-profit volunteer organization contributing over 3000 hours of volunteer service to the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa Residential Care facilities annually.
What do we do?
- Operate the gift shop in the main lobby from 10-4 on week days and from 1–4 on Saturdays.
- Own and stock the three vending machines within the Hospital with healthy snacks.
- Manage and maintain the Memorial Rose Garden next to Peace Villa along the walking path.
- Coordinate the Junior Volunteer Program and award two (2) $2000 bursaries annually.
- Maintain and manage donations to the Memorial Wall located in the Cafeteria.
- Fund raise for patient care equipment through our annual Spring Raffle.
Where have we spent your donated funds?
Through the generous support of the community, monies raised throughout the year are used to purchase everyday patient care and comfort equipment. Since moving into the new Hospital and Peace Villa on June 21, 2012 the Auxiliary has contributed over $185,000 to the benefit of our staff, patients, residents and their families. Some of our significant purchases include:
- Created “Art and Healing” photographs by local artists in each of the 55- patient rooms.
- Installed resting benches in the long hallways leading to the Surgical Intake area.
- Purchased three (3) AIRVO 2 High Flow Humidity Oxygen units for the comfort and healing use of adults and children requiring oxygen per nasal prongs.
- Purchased 30 over-bed tables, 12 wheelchairs and hallway benches for Peace Villa.
- Donated $50,000 to the newly installed MRI unit.
For information or to volunteer, please contact the Auxiliary Gift Shop at 250-261-7568
MacKenzie & District Hospital Auxiliary
The Mackenzie & District Hospital Auxiliary is celebrating 50 years of service in Mackenzie. Since our incorporation in 1972, we have operated a thrift store which is very much appreciated and supported by the Mackenzie residents.
This year, we were able to donate $30,000 to the local hospital for the purchase of two Airvo Systems and one Ultrasound Heart Probe. We continue to donate two $750 bursaries to high school graduates pursuing post secondary education in the medical field.
We currently have 21 dedicated volunteers who get together in December for a dinner and gift exchange, and a volunteer appreciation event held in June.
Contact information:
Facebook page: Mackenzie Ladies Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store
Email: ThriftShop2019@outlook.com
Phone: 250-997-6619
President: Denyse Martel
McBride and District Hospital Auxiliary
The McBride and District Auxiliary is a small but dedicated group of about 10 people. Since 2019 we have purchased a Sarah Stedy, an emergency room stretcher, temporal thermometers for the hospital as well as thermopaks for our local ambulance service (approximately $12,000 in total). The Auxiliary has committed to purchasing a bariatric bed frame, a standard bed frame and a cast cutter with vacuum as soon as the problematic supply chain allows.
Our fundraising consists of two major events: In both 2020 and 2021, due to COVID-19, we had to reduce our activities for our Christmas Extravaganza and Strawberry Shortcake Social. We pivoted to produce and sell masks, conserves and heat packs, and held a pre-packaged soup sale in order to raise additional funds. In 2022, our Strawberry Shortcake Social was able to take place in late May.
Our events and fundraising have been very successful due to generous individual and business donations, also our members work cooperatively to plan and produce these events with wonderful support coming from our local residents! In memoriam donations and general donations are another source of funds. We recently received a $1,000 grant from the McBride Community Foundation to help cover the cost of the cast cutter with vacuum.
Check out the McBride and District Hospital Facebook page to see images of some of our activities and purchases.
Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary
The Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary formed on Nov 17th 1966, with our hospital opening in 1972.
Throughout the years many dedicated Auxilians have kept our society active and we are respected in the community as a group who “does good”. We fundraise and handle donations from our very generous community members. They know the money will be used in a beneficial and meaningful manner.
Website: hospitalauxiliary.fortstjames.com
St John Hospital Auxiliary Society
78 years of continuous service to St John Hospital, Vanderhoof
The Sisters of Charity of Providence built St John Hospital in 1940/41. It opened as a 24-bed hospital with the Sisters and staff living on the ground floor. Fresh produce and eggs came directly from the gardens and chicken coops operated by the Sisters. Over time the area's population and hospital usage steadily increased and demands eventually outgrew what the Sisters could provide. St John Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1940 with 15 members.
- In September 1964 the newly formed Omineca Hospital Society took over full operation and ownership. The 'St John Hospital' name was retained out of gratitude to the Sisters.
- In 1965 it became apparent that the original building was no longer adequate and plans were drawn for a 45-bed hospital.
- On May 18, 1973, the new hospital building was officially opened, which remains our excising facility. Governing responsibilities rested with the Northern Interior Regional Health Board.
- In 2005 Stuart Nechako Manor was opened providing Vanderhoof and area with 50 Complex Care beds with St John Hospital retaining 25 acute care beds. Governing responsibility how rests with the Northern Health Authority.
St John Hospital provides emergency, medical, surgical and obstetrical services with surgical services being provided continuously for 76 years. In 2007 the Ruby Ellen van Andel Community Oncology Clinic was opened. Presently Vanderhoof is home to 15 family physicians, 3 GP oncologist, plus several visiting surgeons coming out on a weekly basis.
Between September 2016 to September 2017 membership totaled 16, 10 meetings held with an average attendance of 10 members and volunteer hours totaled 1,197 hrs.
Auxiliary Healthcare Donations:
- Equipment purchases for 2016/2017 = $65,971.58. This included 3 emergency kits for OT, 2 handheld pulse oximeters for Acute Care, wheelchair scale for Acute Care, endocavity transducers for Oncology, linear array hockey stick for Oncology, flex suction pump for OR, cardiac crash cart for Stress Testing Unit, ankle BP monitor, cisco DX DC unit for Stress Testing Unit, 12 alaris IV units for Oncology and 18 larynogeal masks for OR.
- Patient comfort items = $300 (Youth Volunteer, New Years Baby)
- Bursary value of $1,000 to a graduate from a Senior Secondary School going into a human health care field
St John Hospital Auxiliary contributes directly to the comfort and welfare of St John Hospital clients and Stuart Nechako Manor residents. We provide equipment that enables staff to perform their duties and manage a Youth Volunteer Program.
Major fundraising activities include an annual raffle, annual Walk-a-thon, Gift cabinet, patient cart, vending machine, Purdy's chocolate sales, yard sale/plant sale, bake sale and Van Houtte Coffee Service. Donations are gratefully received from local businesses, industry and service clubs. Appreciation is expressed to every person who has been a member of, or otherwise supported, the St. John Hospital Auxiliary over its seventy-six year history. Follow us on Facebook
Wrinch Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
The Wrinch Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1912. In the early years money was raised mainly for small items (sheets, towels, PJ's etc). Over the years, as more money gathered, we have supported the hospital with on-going equipment that is needed. Our Thrift Shop is open 4 days a week and we have a cabinet in the main hospital entrance, a sales area in the clinic and provide the "goody" cart twice a week to patients and staff.
Yearly occurrences are a yard sale, a thank you BBQ and Christmas luncheon for our volunteers and members. As with many auxiliaries, one challenge is getting new volunteers and members.
Thrift shop phone: 250-842-4535