Commemorative plaque to thank the Chaleur Regional Hospital Auxiliary

Bathurst, October 12, 2021 – Vitalité Health Network is recognizing the exemplary work of the Chaleur Regional Hospital Auxiliary by placing a commemorative plaque in the organization’s honour at the main entrance to the hospital. 

The Auxiliary was founded in 1941. Then known as the “Ladies Aide,” their role consisted of improving the health care services delivered by the Chaleur Regional Hospital – to the benefit of the facility’s patients.   At the outset, a one-dollar membership fee supported the development of the organization’s first projects.  About 30 years later, the volunteers had the brilliant idea of opening a gift shop to help fund the group’s initiatives.  Unfortunately, the shop had to close its doors last year due to a drop in traffic caused by the pandemic.

Although the Auxiliary has now ceased operations, the Network will always remember their memorable presence. “They made a notable contribution to the improvement of patient care over more than 80 years. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. This wall plaque is necessary and merited recognition, given their many and varied accomplishments,” explained  Stéphane Legacy, Vice-President of Outpatient and Professional Services. 

Before closing their gift shop, the Auxiliary donated $100,000 to the Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation and established an endowment fund in the organization’s name that, through various bursaries, will support the professional development of the Chaleur Regional Hospital’s employees.

From left to right: Dr France Desrosiers, President and CEO of the Network; Brenda MacIntosh, past president of the Auxiliary Programs at the Chaleur Regional Hospital; Marjorie D’Entremont, Secretary of Auxiliary Programs at the Chaleur Regional Hospital; Edith Tribe, president of the Auxiliary programs at the Chaleur Regional Hospital; Patricia Legacy, president of the Auxiliary Volunteer programs at the Chaleur Regional Hospital; and  Stéphane Legacy, Vice-President of Outpatient and Professional Services.