Fonds WCH-VOL - Association of Volunteers, Women's College Hospital fonds

The Association of Volunteers, Women's College Hospital is an integral component of the Hospital. Volunteers are often the first point of contact for visitors, and are relied upon to enhance the Hospital's services.

The Association of Volunteers was founded in 1915 as an auxiliary. One of the earliest working groups was the Cradle Club, which knitted and sewed clothing and blankets for newborns, and raised funds to equip and maintain delivery rooms. The Cradle Club became a chartered organisation in 1934 and remained active until its dissolution in 1961.

In 1936, another auxiliary group, Hospital Aid, was organised to raise funds for Women's College Hospital. This auxiliary changed its name to the Hospital Auxiliary in 1951. Individuals had to be sponsored for admission into the Auxiliary by current members. In 1957, the younger members of the Hospital Auxiliary formed the Junior Auxiliary, which would later become known as the Evening Auxiliary.

The Association of Volunteers was officially formed in 1972, the result of the amalgamation of the Hospital Auxiliary and the Evening Auxiliary. With the formation of the new Association of Volunteers, membership was opened to all those interested. In 1979, the Women's College Hospital Board of Directors approved the Association of Volunteers to be represented on the Board. The Association of Volunteers continues to be represented on the Board today.

Raising funds to support Women's College Hospital has been an integral part of the Association of Volunteers' mandate since its inception. The Association of Volunteers has supported facility improvements and numerous aid projects. Past fundraising initiatives and events have included: January Nite (1933-1969, 1991), the Ankh Gift Shop (1946-2013), book sales, holiday craft and bake sales, hospital calendars, raffles and lotteries, the Miracles Gift Shop (1992-2008), flower delivery, and jewellery sales. Present initiatives include book sales, raffles, and personal and corporate donations. Current programs supported by the Association of Volunteers include: the Women Recovering from Abuse Program (WRAP), the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre, and the Women's Health Research Institute.

In addition to fundraising, the Association of Volunteers supports Women's College Hospital through service: volunteers assist in waiting rooms, staff information desks, and provide administrative support in clinics.