Written By Olena Riznyk
POPLAR HILL - Members of the Southern Area Women’s Institute gathered on October 18, for a hands-on work bee dedicated to supporting young patients at the Children’s Hospital. The event, held at Poplar Hill Baptist Church, brought together 20 members along with family and friends, all working toward a common purpose: creating comfort items and essentials for the Children’s Group LHSC Auxiliary.
According to Glenna Ladell, secretary of the Southern Area Women’s Institute, the atmosphere throughout the day was warm and energetic. “A fun day was had by all,” she said, noting the enthusiasm and cooperation that filled the room as volunteers moved from table to table assembling handmade items. By the end of the day, the group had completed an impressive list of contributions: 46 toiletry kits, 100 rice heat packs for chronic pain, 46 receiving blankets, eight slings, eight tied fleece blankets, and six arm bands for blood work. Ladell added that this was their second work bee of the year. Members of the Children’s Group LHSC Auxiliary Board were also working from home that day.
“The Women’s Institute has been working to raise funds and make items for Children’s Hospital for over 100 years,” Ladell explained. “They helped raise funds for the purchase of the first incubators.”
Today, the partnership between the Southern Area Women’s Institute and the Children’s Group LHSC Auxiliary continues to play a vital role in enhancing patient experience. The Auxiliary raises funds to purchase small but essential equipment—such as wagons for children and portable X-ray machines—and to provide comfort items for young patients. With the help of volunteers, the group produces medical dolls, swaddle sleep sacks, bonding (scent) cloths, pillowcases, bead bags, receiving blankets, heat packs, toiletry kits, slings, and more. They also purchase toys, Lego kits, gift cards, crayons, and activity books for children of all ages.
Requests for needed items come directly from the hospital, through the Children’s Health Foundation Office, and are forwarded to the Auxiliary. “We try to purchase or make the requests as they come to us,” Ladell said, noting the steady flow of need and the group’s commitment to responding quickly.
The Auxiliary welcomes new volunteers. Anyone with a few hours to spare is invited to join their monthly meeting, held on the first Friday of each month at 2:00 p.m. at the Children’s Foundation Office, where members hear from speakers, receive new requests, and plan upcoming initiatives.
