Aberdeen Auxiliary carries on legacy of care

The pink coats, warm hearts and welcoming smiles of the Aberdeen Auxiliary have helped make Aberdeen Hospital more welcoming and supportive for patients, families and staff for 130 years.

For Anna Svendsen, president of the Aberdeen Auxiliary, the group’s work is guided by a clear purpose.

“Our role is patient care comfort,” said Svendsen. “Our efforts go toward anything that helps make a patient’s time in hospital easier.”

Founded in 1896, the Aberdeen Auxiliary is the oldest hospital auxiliary in the province. Today, it continues to support patients and staff through fundraising, volunteering and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work. The Auxiliary now has 30 active members, many of whom have been involved for decades. Some continue to volunteer, fundraise, sell tickets and support the hospital well into their 80s and 90s, including one member who recently turned 95.

Svendsen said the auxiliary is proud to support both major projects and smaller practical items that make a difference for patients. From everyday items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and lotion to specialized equipment and major contributions to hospital spaces, the group’s impact can be felt across the site.

In recent years, that support has included a $250,000 contribution toward the hospital’s minimally invasive surgical suite, as well as helping bring music therapy to the hospital by funding the program for several years.

Jennifer Sutherland, site lead at Aberdeen Hospital, said the auxiliary helps meet patient care and the hospital’s practical needs but for people across Pictou County.

“It’s 100 per cent about comfort,” said Sutherland. “Feeling like you’re at home when you’re not at home; keeping your surroundings warm, cheerful and inviting. That’s the culture they’ve built.”

One example is the family room in the hospital’s emergency department, which the auxiliary helped furnish. Sutherland said the room supports families through many different moments, both difficult and joyful, and the auxiliary helped make it inviting and comfortable.

The auxiliary is also well known for Martha’s Place gift shop, where patients, families, staff and the public can pick up snacks, gifts and other items. Svendsen said Martha’s Place is one of the auxiliary’s major fundraisers, while also offering patients, families, visitors and staff a place to find a snack, gift or brief distraction during their time at the hospital.

The popular Toonie Treat Cart is another way auxiliary members raise funds and bring connection into the hospital. Members bake treats that are sold to staff and visitors, creating a simple but meaningful way for people to contribute.

“If you love to bake, you can use that talent to contribute,” said Svendsen. “There are many ways to help, and you don’t have to do everything. You can find the piece that works for you.”

Behind every donation, Sutherland said, are countless volunteer hours, planning, meetings and preparation that many people may never see.

“With their commitment and their culture, we cannot do it without them,” said Sutherland. “We couldn’t then, and we couldn’t now.”

As the auxiliary marks this milestone, members are also looking to the future and welcoming others who may want to get involved. Svendsen said there are many ways to contribute, whether someone wants to help regularly, support fundraising activities or share a specific skill.

“We welcome all members,” said Svendsen. “Anybody who’d like to come and join us, we’d love to have them.”

Community members interested in joining the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary or learning more about hospital auxiliary opportunities can visit nshealth.ca/get-involved/hospital-auxiliaries.

Photo of members of the Aberdeen Auxiliary with Jennifer Sutherland, Aberdeen site lead during the auxiliary’s 130th anniversary celebrations.