A legacy of community care spanning three-quarters of a century has been permanently enshrined at Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington, Ontario. The hospital celebrated the 75-year history of its dedicated Auxiliary this week with the unveiling of a commemorative tribute wall, a visual testament to decades of volunteerism and fundraising.
A Permanent Thank You to Decades of Dedication
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, past and present members of the Erie Shores HealthCare Auxiliary gathered for an emotional ceremony. The newly revealed tribute wall, located inside the hospital's main entrance, now stands as a lasting monument to their collective impact.
"This tribute wall is a permanent thank you to the people who showed up for this hospital, year after year," said Kristin Kennedy, the hospital's President and CEO. She emphasized that the volunteers and donors have fundamentally improved care for patients and their families, and the hospital is honoured to recognize that legacy in a concrete way.
To cap off its remarkable history of contributions, the Auxiliary presented the hospital with a final donation of $122,000 to support ongoing patient care. The presentation was made by members including past president Kerstin Kay, Barb Colaizzi, and Penny Bellhouse.
From Teas to a Lasting Legacy
The Auxiliary's story began in 1950, founded under the leadership of Mrs. Edith Atkin. It quickly became a cornerstone of the hospital's community support system. For decades, volunteers organized a wide array of events—from teas and card parties to raffles and dances—to raise crucial funds.
The money they generated went directly toward purchasing hospital equipment, providing comforts for patients, and supplying resources for staff. "The auxiliary has always been driven by one goal — helping the hospital support the community," explained Kerstin Kay, a past president of the organization.
The tribute wall itself is a rich tapestry of the group's history, featuring photographs, archival newspaper clippings, and various memorabilia. It serves to recognize the thousands of individuals who donated their time and energy to local healthcare.
Reflecting on a Community's Shared Effort
For former presidents like Michelle Getty and Barb Colaizzi, the unveiling was a poignant moment to reflect on shared purpose. "It was a very special time in my life," Getty told the Windsor Star. "It was an honour to be involved with the hospital. I am mesmerized by the beauty of the tribute wall." She praised the team for doing a fantastic job in assembling the display.
Kerstin Kay noted that the wall ensures the "spirit of giving" that defined the Auxiliary for 75 years will not be forgotten. The celebration also looked to the future of the hospital's story.
As part of the anniversary festivities, Erie Shores HealthCare released a trailer for an upcoming documentary that will chronicle the hospital's own 75-year journey. The film, set for release in the spring, will highlight key milestones, community contributions, and the people who shaped healthcare in the Leamington and Essex County region.
The event marked not just an end to a formal chapter of volunteer organizing, but the cementing of its profound and lasting influence on the health and well-being of the local community.
