Light the tree in support of Matthews Memorial

That time of year is approaching when Matthews Memorial Hospital Association (MMHA) will be holding its annual Tree Lighting fundraiser.

"Your on-going support is needed and appreciated," said Lavera Crack on behalf of the board.

In a released statement, Crack wrote, “Matthews Memorial Hospital has a long and memorable history. It opened as a three-bed hospital in October 1924 under a Red Cross Society proposition.”

The deal involved St. Joseph Island residents to provide the building, St. Joseph Township to collect funds for rent and fuel, and the Women's Institutes to provided needed equipment (which later became the responsibility of an Auxiliary).

On Nov. 21, 1925, the Ontario Government granted a charter for a new board to be known as The St. Joseph Island Hospital Association. It was later renamed the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association (MMHA).

This charter did not come with government funding.

"The same is the case today as we rely on donations, In Memoriams, municipal funding and various fundraising efforts throughout the year," Crack said. "Funds collected go to physician recruitment and retention, building and maintenance such as the recently installed handicap access button."

The St. Joseph Island Hospital Association had to rely on donations from residents and summer guests, and funds collected by the Township.

Throughout the Great Depression, a March 1929 fire that destroyed the original hospital, and the Second World War, public donations kept the hospital going.

Generous gifts were received, including Mrs. M. Matthews who offered to build a new hospital in memory of her husband, purchased the land for a doctor's residence and contributed on-going funds. Mrs. W. C. Orrell set up a fund to defray expenses for young children and elderly women, and donated a much needed x-ray machine. Miss Daisy Foster, her father T. J. Foster and Mrs. Griffith completely furnished a private room known as the Lucy Richards Room.

In the words of Mrs. Emily Kent, an original Charter member and secretary of the Association for more than 20 years, "The Island people are indeed grateful for the many gifts received over the ensuing years."

On Nov. 21, 2017 the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association will celebrate 92 years of dedicated service and gratitude for the support it has received.

"Our catchment area expanded and now serves the North Shore from Echo Bay to Bruce Mines and St. Joseph Island," she said.

The lighting of the tree will take place in front of the Bridge Link Medical Centre in December. The official date will be set at the Nov. 13 MMHA meeting.