1911 – 1921
Victoria Hospital dates back to 1911, when it developed under the capable leadership of Dr. Thomas Beath. Dr. Beath built the hospital in Osborne Village, at 424 River Avenue. The building still stands, but now it is an apartment building.
Archives tell us that originally physicians ran the hospital, but from early on volunteers made a difference. For the most part, they seemed to be the wives of the physicians pitching in as necessary.
1921
In 1921 the volunteers formally organized and, as was common for the era, named themselves “The Ladies Auxiliary”.
1954 – 1971
In 1954 the Auxiliary created the Guild (originally named “The Emily Beath Guild” after Dr. Beath’s wife). The Guild was intended to be an extension of the Auxiliary with the specific goal of raising funds for a new hospital. In 1970 the Auxiliary and the Guild united and changed their name to the Guild of the Victoria General Hospital.
1971
The new hospital was built at 2340 Pembina Highway and opened in 1971. The Guild moved right along with the hospital. Although funds were no longer needed to build the hospital, the Guild continued raising funds for needs as they arose.
1974
In January, 1974, the Guild incorporated in order to better support its status as a fundraising organization.
1984
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reports 1984 as the first time the Guild was identified as a registered charity, which includes the ability to issue charitable tax receipts for donations. CRA recognizes the Guild as a public foundation, which is a charitable organization developed specifically for charitable purposes.
2024
The Guild is celebrating our 70th year of fundraising excellence! Enjoy the reflections of some of our longstanding volunteers on their experiences: