On Saturday, May 14, 2011 the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary will celebrate 100 years of service to the community.

The early fundraising began in March 1908 when Carl Grossman and a group of young men organized two performances of a minstrel show to raise funds for a hospital fund. This event was followed in 1911 by a “Feast of Nations” organized by Carl’s mother, Julia, and sister, Elva. This two-day event involved women’s groups from the community and raised the equivalent of about $36,400.00 in today’s money. These women formed the foundation of the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary, officially formed in May 1, 1911. Elva Grossman was the Auxiliary’s first secretary.

Now, 100 years later, the centennial celebration brings together descendants of Julia Grossman: five great-grandsons, a great-great granddaughter, and a great-great-great granddaughter. Additionally, the niece of Louisa Stiff, sister-in-law to Carl Grossman and organizer of the Irish booth at the 1911 “Feast of Nations” will also be taking part in the festivities.

Join the Auxiliary on May 14, 2011 for a luncheon including entertainment featuring ‘Elvis’ (Steve Elliott), and barbershop quartet HiQ. Author Andrea Lister will be signing her book, Commitment to Caring: Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary’s 100 years, 1911-2011, the story of determined women, in a time before they were considered persons under the law, who fundraised, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack’s first hospital.

Location: Coast Chilliwack Hotel, 11:00 am  3:00 pm

Tickets are $35, available at the Thrift Shoppe, Hospital Information Booth, and Auxiliary members. The community of Chilliwack and surrounding area is invited to help celebrate this event and wearing costumes from the past is welcomed.

Look for the red jackets at the following Chilliwack locations: Minter Country Gardens (Young Rd) and Cottonwood Mall (in front of Sears) April 28, 29, and 30 selling $2 souvenir buttons, $2 raffle tickets, 100th anniversary luncheon tickets and the Commitment to Caring book. Books are also available at the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shoppe, The CGH Gift Shop and the Chilliwack Museum.

Raffle tickets are $2 each and prizes are: 1st prize: Noritake China ‘Carolyn’ 8 place setting, platter, cream & sugar, vegetable bowl; 2nd prize: hand crocheted tablecloth 66″ x 96″ Queen Anne Pattern; 3rd prize: Framed Cross Stitch ‘My Fair Lady’  27″ x 31 1/2″; 4th prize: tableware 6 place settings  gold plated stainless steel with case; and 5th prize: beautiful hand crafted jewellery necklace, bracelet & pierced earring set.

On May 14, 2011 the auxiliary is celebrating their 100 years of service anniversary with a $35.00 buffet luncheon at the Coast Hotel 11am-3pm. Entertainment will feature ‘Elvis’ (Steve Elliott) and HiQ, a barbershop quartet. The community of Chilliwack and surrounding area is invited to help celebrate this event and wearing costumes from the past is welcomed.

The Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary’s history is now in book form thanks to Maple Ridge writer Andrea Lister.

Read more in the Maple Ridge Times: Chilliwack history has local link.

Look for Auxiliary members around Chilliwack locations selling $2 souvenir buttons, $2 raffle tickets, 100th anniversary luncheon tickets and the Commitment to Caring book.

Raffle tickets are $2 each and prizes are: 1st prize: Noritake China ‘Carolyn’ 8 place setting, platter, cream & sugar, vegetable bowl; 2nd prize: hand crocheted tablecloth 66″ x 96″ Queen Anne Pattern; 3rd prize: Framed Cross Stitch ‘My Fair Lady’  27″ x 31 1/2″; 4th prize: tableware 6 place settings  gold plated stainless steel with case; and 5th prize: beautiful hand crafted jewellery necklace, bracelet & pierced earring set.

On May 14, 2011 the auxiliary is celebrating their 100 years of service anniversary with a $35.00 buffet luncheon at the Coast Hotel 11am-3pm. Entertainment will feature ‘Elvis’ and HiQ, a barbershop quartet. The community of Chilliwack and surrounding area is invited to help celebrate this event and wearing costumes from the past is welcomed.

Look for the red jackets at the following Chilliwack locations: Walmart, April 7, 8, and 9; PriceSmart April 14, 15, and 16; and Minter Country Gardens (Young Rd) and Cottonwood Mall (in front of Sears) April 28, 29, and 30. Books are also available at the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shoppe, The CGH Gift Shop and the Chilliwack Museum.

(Chilliwack, BC, March 15, 2011) Commitment to Caring is the story of determined women, in a time before they were considered persons under the law, who fundraised, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack’s first hospital. The Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary announced today the publication of a new book Commitment to Caring: Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary’s 100 Years, 1911-2011, ($20.00) by Andrea Lister.

In a time before medicare these women formed the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary in 1911 and recruited their sisters-in-laws, daughters, and friends to join them in their efforts and take over for them as they aged. They enlisted the support of the community in supporting the hospital for 100 years through wars, depressions, and social changes. They have left, and continue to leave a lasting legacy, with their hard work and dedicated volunteerism. Richly illustrated with seldom-seen photographs Commitment to Caring is a celebration of these women. All proceeds from the sale of this book go towards the purchase of equipment for the Chilliwack General Hospital. Continue reading “Announcement: New Book, Commitment to Caring: Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary’s 100 Years, 1911-2011”

It all began in 1908 when people of the community identified a need for a hospital in Chilliwack and got together to raise funds to build one. They held many fundraisers as well as performances at the Opera House and a Feast of Nations event which lasted two days.  By 1911 they had raised $5,000 which was matched by the township of Chilliwack. The first hospital opened February 28, 1912 and was built debt free. Continue reading “100th Anniversary”