It's not just about giving,
it's about giving of yourself.
In the humanitarian spirit of volunteerism, the Mount Sinai Hospital Montreal Auxiliary is governed by the “Give So That Others May Live” philosophy.
Founded by 13 women in 1933, the Auxiliary’s prime motivation was to provide basic necessities and comforts for long-term tubercular patients. In time, the Auxiliary relentlessly raised funds to purchase food conveyors, furnish rooms and build and furnish laboratories and an occupational therapy department. In the 1940s the Auxiliary financed a Public Health Nurse and established a Rehabilitation program where tuberculosis patients learned vocations and trades. Over the years, membership in the Auxiliary continued to increase and by the 1950s over 800 members had joined.
Throughout its history, the Auxiliary pioneered a number of great accomplishments. The Auxiliary established a Case Finding Clinic in conjunction with the Herzel Health Center with free x-rays and subsidies for the poor. Also established was a Pulmonary Clinic at the Jewish General Hospital where Mount Sinai patients were provided follow up care. Two other major Auxiliary accomplishments were the implementation of a School Health Program and the Respiratory Awareness Program.
The Auxiliary is a group of dedicated and dynamic volunteers, who play a key role in the functioning of the hospital. Through the multitude of their activities, the Auxiliary focuses on helping to enhance the quality of life of patients and their families. Auxiliary involvement in all facets of hospital life has instilled a growing feeling of sharing and caring. The funds raised through various Auxiliary projects have been essential in helping to finance patient amenities and services that would otherwise not be possible.
The tremendous contributions and services of the Auxiliary include the Coffee shop, Gift shop, Oneg Shabbat services, welcome packages, agenda books, bingo games, bridge luncheons, cookbooks, entertainment books, raffles and many other special events.
