Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary

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Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary

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01/13/2026

Want to look glam and stay warm? The Little Treasure Shop is stocked up on scarves and gloves. Located just inside the hospital's main entrance, stop by Mon-Fri from 9am - 4pm, and Saturday from 12pm-3pm to see the collection!

12/30/2025

Thank you to the many volunteers like Sandy, Dorothy, and Paul, who have been keeping the festive spirit going during the holiday break for both patients and staff.

12/24/2025

Wishing everyone a healthy holiday!

12/21/2025

After retiring, Dana Williams found herself with extra time and a desire to give back—so just over a year ago, she joined the NHH Auxiliary’s 2A/2B Hydration Team. With a background as a bank teller, in a flower shop, and years of volunteering with the Salvation Army and Girl Guides, Dana has always been a people person who loves helping others.

She chose the hydration team because it lets her stay active and engaged, bringing comfort to patients through small but meaningful interactions. Dana especially enjoys working with a partner on her shift, sharing information, insight, and support as they brighten the day of everyone they meet. “It’s more than just water,” she says—and the smiles she sees are instant reminders of why she volunteers.

Dana will soon be stepping into a new role as co-coordinator of the Hydration Team, continuing her commitment to service. Outside of NHH, she also organizes a Christmas food drive in her apartment building and volunteers at the Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club.

Her advice to others:
“If you have the time, you should volunteer. It makes you feel good—and creates a shared experience for you and those you’re helping.”

Thank you, Dana, for your dedication and compassion. You make NHH a warmer place.

12/20/2025

For 23 years, Cheryl Stewart has been a warm and friendly presence at NHH. She began volunteering at the old Cobourg hospital and now shares her time at the Little Treasure Shop — the place she loves most.

Cheryl enjoys the chance to chat with visitors and share moments of kindness. She also loves knowing that every purchase helps support patient care: “If you don’t have a lot of money, you at least have time to give.”

Encouraged by another volunteer years ago, Cheryl has never regretted joining the Auxiliary. Her message to anyone considering volunteering? “Definitely give it a try. There’s a space for everyone, and you can always explore different areas. Find something you enjoy—you might be surprised by how much fun you have!”

Cheryl added how nice it is to be recognized across the hospital – her volunteer apron a symbol of appreciation from staff, patients and visitors alike.

Thank you, Cheryl, for 23 years of dedication and heart.

12/18/2025

For nearly three years, Gayle Carver has been a warm and steady presence within the NHH Auxiliary, volunteering in both the Palliative Care Unit and the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP).

With a background supporting seniors through VON, nursing homes, and adult day programs—and more than 15 years of helping students learn to read—Gayle brings compassion, experience, and genuine connection to every visit.

Gayle began in Palliative Care and soon expanded into HELP, where her friendly visits often support not only patients but their families as well. Whether brewing fresh coffee or staying a little longer at the end of her shift to brighten someone’s day, Gayle believes deeply in the power of presence.

“Time costs you nothing,” she says, “but it’s a great way to give back. You get more out of it than you can imagine.”

For Gayle, volunteering with seniors is where she feels happiest—and her kindness makes a meaningful difference. Her contributions help enhance the patient and family experience throughout the hospital.

Thank you, Gayle, for your heart, your time, and the countless moments of comfort you create.

12/16/2025

Today we celebrate Sandi MacDonald-Wangen, a dedicated NHH volunteer who recently received her 10-year Auxiliary service pin.

Sandi began her volunteering journey in the Little Treasure Shop, embracing retail for the first time and enjoying the chance to welcome visitors and support the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts. She later spent time in Day Surgery, gaining new experiences and learning more about the hospital environment. Over the years, she discovered that the Emergency Department was where she felt most at home—an area that suited her natural desire to offer comfort, calm, and reassurance during moments of stress.

One of Sandi’s favourite parts of volunteering is helping ease anxiety for patients and families—whether by offering a warm blanket or a drink, helping with wayfinding, or simply chatting to help distract from discomfort in the waiting room. As a French speaker, she’s been able to support patients by assisting with translation when needed. From handing out colouring books and Izzy dolls to children to helping with the parking payment machine, Sandi finds countless ways to brighten someone’s day.

Her commitment to NHH is deeply personal. After experiencing significant health challenges, including a critical illness 15 years ago, she remains profoundly grateful for the care she received. Her stay at NHH played a key role in her decision to volunteer and give back to the place that supported her through difficult times.

Originally from Quebec, Sandi moved to Cobourg in the 1980s and built a career in education, retiring as a principal. She brings with her strong skills in empathy, observation, organization, and positive communication—along with a deep respect for patient privacy and the sensitive moments she witnesses.

Sandi says she always leaves her volunteer shift feeling good, and her advice to anyone considering volunteering is simple: true wisdom is knowing that you get back more than you give.

Thank you, Sandi, for the warmth, steadiness, and compassion you bring to NHH.

12/15/2025

Gifts for every budget and the added bonus of supporting the hospital with every purchase!

12/14/2025

For almost four years, Wayne and Judy Conway have been friendly and familiar faces as NHH Auxiliary volunteers at the Inquiry Desk located at the hospitals main entrance. With backgrounds in crisis intervention and safety management, this dedicated duo brings compassion, calm, and a steady presence to everyone who walks through our doors.

Judy loves helping people feel comfortable and safe, while Wayne takes pride in greeting visitors and making sure they get where they need to be. They believe the Inquiry Desk is an essential resource for patients and visitors, and their actions have proven just how vital that role can be.

From directing visitors in the hospital to remaining by the side of those needing medical attention until help arrives, Wayne and Judy have shown extraordinary kindness, quick action, and unwavering dedication to protecting the dignity and privacy of those in need.

They often hear how polite and supportive NHH staff and volunteers are, and they love helping visitors understand processes, calm nerves, and even share a little humor to brighten someone’s day. “Everyone is different,” they say. “We just read each situation as it comes.”

Wayne and Judy highly recommend volunteering with the NHH Auxiliary: “Staff appreciate the volunteers, and it feels like a family here. There’s always someone to help if you need it.”

Thank you, Wayne and Judy, for being part of what makes NHH such a warm and welcoming place.

12/12/2025

NHH just got a little more festive! Thanks to Auxiliary Volunteers Cathy and Karen for handing out Poinsettias kindly donated by the Town of Cobourg Experience Cobourg!

12/11/2025

Today we’re highlighting Bella Leon, who has been a dedicated volunteer in our Cancer and Supportive Care Unit for just over two years.

Bella was drawn to cancer care for its welcoming atmosphere and the chance to build meaningful connections with patients—many of whom she sees regularly through return visits. For her, being a friendly, familiar face is a privilege and one of the best parts of volunteering.

When Bella first joined the Auxiliary, she was beginning her second year of university in biochemistry and molecular biology. Her experience at NHH helped confirm her passion for healthcare. She’s now pursuing research in her fourth year, continuing to a master’s degree, and hopes to attend medical school. Bella shares deep respect for every healthcare provider and has a special interest in the diagnostic process.

One of her most memorable moments came during a casual conversation about school, when a few nurses offered—unprompted—to write her reference letters. Their support made her feel truly appreciated within the department’s close-knit community.

Bella encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. She acknowledges that people sometimes have assumptions about different areas of the hospital, but says the true atmosphere—and the incredible impact of the work—can only be understood by being there. Although she volunteers to help others, she says she has gained so much in return and is grateful for the experience.

Thank you, Bella, for the compassion, curiosity, and community you bring to NHH.

12/10/2025

The next chapter in our Twelve Stories continues with Jean Irvine! For more than 11 years, Jean has been a dedicated volunteer with Petticoat Lane, the NHH Auxiliary thrift store located on Munroe Street—and she’s loved every minute of it.

When Jean first moved to the area, a neighbour, Linda Currie, told her how much fun volunteering at Petticoat Lane was and how incredible the people were. That sense of warmth and community drew Jean in, and it’s still what keeps her here today. Jean has worked a variety of shifts so she can meet as many fellow volunteers as possible. She loves discovering their unique skills, backgrounds, and experiences—a true cross-section of people who care deeply about giving back to their hospital and community.

With 25 years of experience in healthcare human resources, Jean wanted to stay connected to the field in retirement. Volunteering on the retail side felt like the perfect fit—and it became a wonderful way to build friendships and feel at home in a new community. Jean still remembers one of the first items she ever saw come through Petticoat Lane: a pewter-framed shadow box featuring four Cobourg sites. She bought it immediately, and it still hangs in her home today. Since then, she’s seen everything from the beautiful to the quirky arrive at Petticoat Lane.

For Jean, it’s all about thinking like the customer—finding items others will love and ensuring quality for the store.

Jean shared, “Volunteering at PCL gives you the opportunity to work with others, find your purpose, and step out of your comfort zone.”
Thank you, Jean, for bringing heart, curiosity, and genuine community spirit to the NHH Auxiliary.

Address

1000 DePalma Drive
Cobourg, ON
K9A5W6

Telephone

+19053726811

Website

https://nhh.ca/Volunteers/NHHAuxiliary

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