Supporting Athabasca Healthcare, Bedside & Beyond
The purpose of the Athabasca Healthcare Centre Auxiliary Association is to offer our services and resources for the needs of the patients and residents of the Athabasca Healthcare Centre.
The Objectives of The Auxiliary are to;
Enhance the care and comfort of the patients, residents and staff of the Athabasca Healthcare Centre
Participate in fund raising activities in order to purchase equipment and furnishings for the Athabasca Healthcare Centre
Liaise with Alberta Health Services in the identification of funding of priority projects that enhance patient and resident care in the Athabasca Healthcare Centre
Ensure that the activities of the Athabasca Healthcare Centre Auxiliary Association are carried out in a fiscally responsible manner without the purpose of gain for its members
We also offer a Nursing Grant in the amount of $2000 for any local resident pursuing a career in nursing.
We commit an annual $1000 grant to a graduating student at the local school, EPC (Edwin Parr Composite), if the student plans on attending a post secondary school for study in the medical field.
A non-profit rooted in community support
Founded by local residents, the auxiliary association has spent seven decades responding directly to frontline care requests. We raise funds through community events, memorial gifts, and gift shop proceeds, turning small local contributions into major clinical equipment upgrades.
Our executive committee works closely with Alberta Health Services leadership at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre. By reviewing priority lists with administrative staff and department managers, we ensure every purchase addresses urgent bedside requirements and long-term patients and residents dignity.
70+ years of Bedside Care
The Athabasca Healthcare Centre Auxiliary Association (AHCAA), is a registered non-profit in Athabasca, Alberta. Our volunteer auxiliary has worked alongside Athabasca Healthcare Centre staff to fund patient and resident comforts and vital care equipment that municipal grants cannot cover.
When the current hospital opened in 1984 the Auxiliary was given space to open a Gift Shop. This shop is still operating today thanks to the volunteers and the many hours they work. All proceeds raised in the shop go directly to hospital purchases.
While the role we play on the floor in the hospital has changed greatly over the years, today the Auxiliary currently consists of 25 volunteers including the Executive Board, a variety of other committee positions as well as the volunteers working in the gift shop.
100% Local Impact
Community-Funded Care for Athabasca Patients
Many areas of the Athabasca Hospital, including Long Term Care, Acute Care, the Lab, X-ray and Imaging, Emergency Room, Physiotherapy, Palliative Care, the Infusion Clinic and the Kitchen have all benefitted from purchases funded by the Athabasca Healthcare Centre Auxiliary Association. Everywhere you go you'll see proof of the good work done by the Auxiliary. Every donation directly equips our hospital with essential medical gear and ensures bedside dignity for every patient and resident. See how your support makes a tangible difference.
Our Tangible Impact
$1,270,493.59
In Local Funds Utilized Between 1985 and 2025
These are but a few of the many projects accomplished and items purchased over the years;
replaced all the the hospital beds over the years
raised funds for the addition of the Sun Room in Long Term Care
raised funds to ensure we have a Palliative Care Suite
replaced all the furniture with infection control furniture required by Alberta Health Services
replaced all the over bed tables as well as bedside tables
replaced all the privacy curtains in patient rooms
replaced all the bedside TV’s in Long Term Care and Acute Care
a convection oven as well as the gas oven for the hospital kitchen
a ventilator and stretcher for the emergency room
specialized beds with air mattresses
an ECG machine
a biomedical freezer for the Lab
a fetal heart monitor
a pediatric resuscitation cart
a Panda Warmer; a specialized medical device to help stabilize newborns
vital sign monitors
chairs and recliners for the Infusion Clinic
specialized wheelchairs
a recumbent stepper, treadmill and rehab trainer for Physiotherapy
linen carts, warming cupboards, isolation carts and medicine carts
a washer and dryer for Long Term Care as well as a gazebo and outdoor furniture
a large screen television and an e-reader for Long Term Care
Making A Difference Year After Year
Providing furnishings, equipment as well as patient and resident comfort
These plaques show what the Auxiliary purchased each year
The Athabasca Hospital Gift Shop
Everything from toiletries to slippers, clothing, toys, candy, cards and gifts
Proceeds Directly Benefit The Athabasca Hospital
The proceeds from every sale go directly towards the purchase of essential equipment, furnishings and other needs identified by hospital administration.
Thanks To Volunteers
Everyone working at the gift shop and behind the scenes generously volunteer their time.
Operated by The Athabasca Healthcare Centre Auxiliary Association
Since 1984 the Auxiliary has operated the hospital gift shop. From merchandise purchasing, pricing and displays, the Auxiliary volunteers ensure not only the everyday essentials are available for purchase but also a varying selection of fashion accessories, clothing, toys, home decor, and gifts are available to the patients, families, visitors and staff at the Athabasca Hospital.
Gift Shop Hours
Monday - Friday from 12:00pm - 4:00pm
The Hospital Drink & Snack Vending Machines
It all adds up
Every Dollar Counts
Proceeds from each beverage purchased from the Athabasca Hospital drink machine along with the proceeds from the snack vending machine go towards future equipment purchases requested and approved by the administrative staff and department managers. These machines are filled with product purchased by the Auxiliary and are stocked, maintained and serviced by volunteers.
From Patient and Resident Needs to Equipment
Our dedicated volunteers work closely with the Athabasca Healthcare Centre staff to identify the most pressing equipment needs. We bridge the gap between hospital requirements and community generosity, ensuring every patient benefits from modern, comfortable care.
From specialized beds to mobility aids, our purchases directly enhance patient and resident comfort and dignity, making every stay a little easier for our neighbours in need.
Equipment Grant Cycle
How local funds work
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Staff Identifies Need
Auxiliary Reviews Request
Funds Allocated
Equipment Delivered
Administrative staff and department managers submit prioritized requests for specialized equipment and patient and resident comfort items.
Our volunteer committee evaluates each item against patient impact and approves targeted community fundraising goals.
Local donations, memorial tributes, and auxiliary gift shop proceeds unite to cover the full purchase cost.
Approved medical gear and care furnishings arrive directly at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre for immediate patient and resident use.
Enhancing Patient Comfort
Equipment Categories We Fund
Mobility Aids
Room Comfort
Specialized Diagnostics
Ergonomic wheelchairs, walkers, and specialized transport chairs that ensure safe and comfortable movement for patients and residents.
Adjustable hospital beds, pressure-reducing mattresses, and warm linens for a more restful and dignified patient and resident stay.
Essential diagnostic tools and monitoring equipment that support accurate, timely care for complex medical needs.
Our Impact in Action
Essential Medical Gear, Patient Comfort
From specialized beds to mobility aids, televisions and TV programming, we ensure our Athabasca Healthcare Centre is equipped for compassionate, high-quality care and patient and resident comfort.
Palliative Care Suites
Enhanced Mobility Aids
Recovery Comfort
Creating serene, supportive environments with specialized mattresses and comfort furnishings for patients, residents and their families.
Providing ergonomic wheelchairs, walkers, and transfer equipment to support patient independence and safe movement.
Outfitting rooms with advanced hospital beds and vital monitoring equipment patient well-being.
Current Priorities
Smart TV's & Programming
Something taken for granted in our everyday lives can be essential to giving a patient the means to keep themselves entertained and engaged and up to date on current events.
Equipping Tomorrow's Care Today
Choose Your Impact
Financial Donations
Support essential equipment purchases and patient comfort items with a one-time or recurring contribution. Every dollar directly benefits Athabasca Healthcare Centre.
Memorial Gifts
Honor a loved one's memory by funding specific comfort items or equipment, leaving a lasting legacy of care for our community.
Auxiliary Membership & Volunteering
Join our dedicated team of volunteers. Contribute your time and skills to directly support patients, residents and fundraising efforts.
Your Gift Equips Athabasca Healthcare Centre
Every dollar you contribute stays right here, directly funding the next essential purchase for our local hospital. Join us in making a tangible difference.
Connect With Us
Your Questions, Our Answers
Whether you're ready to volunteer, make a donation, or simply learn more about our Auxiliary, we're here to help. Reach out today.