The primary objective of the Virden and District Health Auxiliary is to promote of the welfare of the Virden Hospital, Western Manitoba Nursing Home, and the Sherwood Home clients. It started its work in 1906, as the Virden Hospital Ladies Aid Society, when two of its members wrote to hospitals around Manitoba to seek information on the cost of a small hospital and what staff would be needed. Learning that it would cost about $2,000 per year for the endeavour, the group sought women of the community to become members at a cost of 10 cents per month and solicited donations from local business owners and householders. Finding a suitable house in the community, the Virden Cottage Hospital opened its doors on 9 October 1906, charging patients $1.00 per day for a bed in the public ward, $1.50 for one in the semi-private ward, and $2.00 per day for a private room. A Miss McAuley, formerly of Brandon and Boston, was engaged as Hospital Matron. Today, the Health Auxiliary is active in its community, by participating in blood donor clinics, flu clinics, staff appreciation teas, and operation of a gift shop, and raising funds in support of the Virden hospital.
An MHS Centennial Organization Award was presented by Gordon Goldsborough on 29 May 2010.
Page revised: 15 May 2011
