As part of its 2020 fundraising campaign, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown must review its process. Door to door being impossible, it is rather through phone calls made by volunteers that the population of Haut-Saint-Laurent is solicited.
For decades, the population has been approached door-to-door by the volunteers of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown. The success of this process has long been proven. Annually, the fundraising campaign raises approximately $ 65,000. While the public is generous to the association, the 2020 reality may reflect a significant gap.
“Currently, we have raised around $ 5,000, says fundraising campaign manager JoAnn McClintock. As we have several volunteers of a certain age and it is important to minimize contact, it is impossible to knock on the doors of houses. Last year we had 2016 members and right now we have 95. By going door to door people usually paid the $ 5 to be a member of the association and also donated. This year is more difficult. When people want to donate, it is done by etransfer or by cheque which should be made payable to the association. These can be sent directly to the hospital at 28 Gale Street in Ormstown.”
It’s not just the fundraising campaign that has changed. The Women’s Auxiliary of the Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown has been forced to cancel its July 1st barbecue, exhibit and traditional bazaar. “Just the bazaar sales are usually over $ 10,000, says McClintock. This is without counting the donations that we also collect. Regardless, we have made a commitment to donate $ 200,000 to the hospital in 2020 and we plan to do so.”
With its strict and rigorous management of funds raised over the years, the association will still be able to keep its word. In addition to paying for television and cabling at the Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown, the Women’s Auxiliary use donations to support the purchase of medical equipment.
“In the past, we have paid for equipment in the operating room and for equipment in the emergency room. Purchases are made on an as-needed basis. Just because we are in a pandemic doesn’t mean the needs stop. It’s more difficult to raise funds, but we can count on the support of the entire population of Haut-Saint-Laurent.”
Volunteers wanted
The Women’s Auxiliary of the Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown are looking for volunteers to make a difference in its success. Interested parties can communicate by email at dabarriememorial@gmail.com.
