Shoppers came in droves on Saturday to pick up bargain-priced clothing, household items and books at Treasure Mart, an annual tradition in Simcoe since at least 1976.
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But the mood was bittersweet for longtime members of the Norfolk General Hospital Volunteer Association who have been organizing the very successful but labor-intensive fundraiser for close to five decades.
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Saturday’s sale at The Aud marked the end of Treasure Mart.
“It has been a great experience,” said Irma Gouthro, a former longtime nurse at NGH who has been volunteering for the fundraiser for 20 years. “We have great camaraderie. Lots of friendships have been made. But the event has run its course.
“This is my last hurray.”
Gouthro and a handful of other Norfolk General Hospital Volunteer Association members spend months sifting through hundreds of boxes of items – all donated by the community – for the sale. Then they sort and price – they start low and are slashed several times on sale day to ensure everything goes out the door. Anything leftover is donated to local organizations.
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All of the proceedings – organizers were hoping to raise at least $15,000 on Saturday – go to Norfolk General for the purchase of medical equipment. While some healthcare costs are covered by government funding, the purchase of new and replacement equipment is done with community donations.
Since its inception, Treasure Mart has raised close to $400,000 for equipment, including blood pressure monitors, stretchers and wheelchairs. Money raised has also helped pay for CT Scanners and other high-cost items.
Treasure Mart is just one of the ways the association supports NGH. Its volunteers also help with patient care and operate a coffee kiosk and gift shop.
“Last year the association donated $65,000 and it will probably be double this year,” said Kerri Emberlin, director of volunteers and spiritual care. “The volunteers are integral to the hospital’s operation.”
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Doug Sibbett, convener of Treasure Mart, said many of the volunteers are aging and it has become more difficult to find new members to continue the event.
“A lot of volunteers are sad to see it go,” he said. “But they’ve worked hard for a lot of years.”
Replacing the event are other initiatives, including a new 50/50 draw, which Emberlin said will raise about $12,000 this year and, possibly, double that amount in 2024.
Emberlin said she’ll also be looking for different ways to engage volunteers who have put so much work into Treasure Mart. More volunteers are always needed, especially after many dropped out through the pandemic.
“We’re gaining steam again,” said Emberlin. “Really, it’s an easy sell. We’re a small community hospital and we’ve all used the services. People want to give back.”
Volunteers contribute more than 12,000 hours of service to the hospital annually assisting with activities; doing one-on-one visits; wayfinding; assistance with wheelchair transport; assisting in the gift shop and coffee kiosk; running a craft group; helping in the emergency department; and fundraising.
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