Our Volunteer Association
For more than 90 years, the St. Mary’s General Hospital Volunteer Association (VA) has provided services and funds to support the patients and families of our community. Originally known as the SMGH Auxiliary, the group raised money through teas and concerts, and donated hours of their time.
Today, the Volunteer Association continues to be a major donor to the St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation, raising funds through events, raffles, and themed promotions. A major source of the funding raised is from the VA-owned Madeleine’s Gift Shop and Tim Hortons, along with the Vendor Program, which allows vendors to set up a table in the main lobby for a fee.
Chair: Maria de Boer
Vice Chair: Meg Burns Dolson
Treasurer: David Popowich
Directors: Matt Anderson, Brian Burns, Harpreet Choulia, Jennifer Hanna, Kristy Hoffman, Tim Kennedy, Daniel Mustard, Courtney Staab
We regularly recruit new members with a variety of skill sets and expertise, including those with a background in: non-profit management, finance, governance, marketing, operations, human resources, project management, business development, and entrepreneurs.
If you live in Waterloo Region and you’re interested in volunteering as a member of our board of directors, contact Maria de Boer, Chair, at smghva.president@gmail.com.
Every purchase from Madeleine’s gift shop and Tim Hortons helps fund vital services and equipment for St. Mary’s General Hospital.
Since 2016, the Volunteer Association has raised and donated almost $900,000, providing much-needed funds for cardiac programs, iPads to support virtual visits with patients’ families, ultrasound machinery, wheelchairs, and surgical beds along with other crucial services.
Madeleine’s Gift Shop
Located in the front lobby, Madeleine’s has been a part of the hospital since 1989. Managed and staffed entirely by volunteers, the team at Madeleine’s t oversees the purchase and display of gifts and everyday items. Their hard work and dedication ensure a strong financial contribution to the hospital while providing a welcome distraction for many hospital patients, visitors, and staff.
Tim Hortons
Owned and operated by the Volunteer Association, Tim Hortons is located inside the main entrance of St. Mary’s. We’re proud that our Tim Hortons is consistently one of the top-scoring locations based on customer service surveys and inspections completed by Tim Hortons head office, thanks to our dedicated and customer-focused staff and management. Net proceeds of all sales are donated to the Hospital Foundation in support of patient care at the hospital.
Volunteer Association Vendor Program
Popular with staff and patient families alike, this program allows vendors to rent table space in the St. Mary’s lobby to display and sell their products. Rental fees are donated in support of the hospital.
If you’re interested in being a daytime vendor with our program, contact the VA Business Manager at vabusiness@smgh.ca for details.
Net proceeds of all sales from both Madeleine’s Gift Shop and Tim Hortons, and rental fees from our Vendor Program are donated to the St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation to purchase equipment and supplies that enhance patient care.
Our Mission:
As a nonprofit organization, we support the St. Mary’s General Hospital community by providing services and funding activities that enhance the experience of patients and their families.
Our Vision:
Enhance the experience of our community of volunteers, patients, and their families, in support of the vision of St. Mary’s General Hospital.
Our Values:
Commitment. Collaboration. Inclusion. Evolution.