Volunteer Francine Lehoux, left, and Joan Scott, President of the Welland Hospital Auxiliary, challenge Niagarans to ‘help us reach the finish line’. The Auxiliary’s $1-million pledge towards the development of the Welland Hospital Auxiliary Dialysis Centre, named in its honour, exemplifies leadership for the NHS family campaign

Welland Hospital Auxiliary — proud supporters and ambassadors of the It’s Our Time Campaign

When she began her volunteer work with Welland Hospital Auxiliary in 1990, Auxiliary President Joan Scott never dreamed she’d be writing a cheque for $1 million. That day came in November 2005 when the Auxiliary became the first major donor to the It’s Our Time Campaign, committing $1 million to support expanded dialysis facilities to provide life-saving healthcare services close-tohome for residents of south Niagara.

Since its beginning over 50 years ago, the Welland Hospital Auxiliary has donated more than $2 million and given immeasurable volunteer hours to benefit the Welland Site. Along with their financial and volunteer support, these Auxiliary members are participating in the It’s Our Time Campaign’s new public awareness initiative.

Among the million dollar donors featured in the Donor Film Series on the new campaign website, Joan and Auxiliary volunteer Francine Lehoux stand apart. Dressed in volunteer smocks and surrounded by balloons, stuffed animals and giftware in their cheery Welland Site Gift Shop, no one would guess the fundraising powerhouse they represent.

But there is no mistaking the challenge issued by Joan.

“We are leaving this legacy to our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,” says Joan. “If a small group like ours can pledge $1 million, I’m sure you corporations can ‘step up’ and do something for the NHS … Somewhere along the line somebody in your family is going to need the Niagara Health System. It’s your time to donate. Get in there … Step up to the plate … and do it!”

The It’s Our Time Campaign Team is thrilled to embark on its broader public awareness initiative with such powerful messages from Joan and Francine.

“They embody the spirit of community, and we know their message will inspire others to invest in healthcare in Niagara,” says Heather J. Scott, Campaign Director for South Niagara and Executive Director of the Welland Hospital Foundation. “We are truly privileged to be the recipient of their efforts to make our community a better place to live.”

To hear Francine and Joan’s message in the Donor Film series, please visit: www.itsourtimecampaign.ca/video.html