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About TOHA

What is The Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary?

The Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary (TOHA) is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that raises funds through its hospital shops, retail venues and other fundraising initiatives so that proceeds can be donated towards patient care and the hospital community.

In July of 2021, the Civic Campus Auxiliary (est. 1952), the Friends of the General (est. 1980), and the Riverside Campus Auxiliary (est. in 1967) amalgamated to create TOHA. In April of 2025, The Rehabilitation Centre Volunteer Association (est. 1982) joined TOHA. TOHA now provides support across all 4 TOH campuses.

TOHA is now a single “boots-on-the-ground” organization that is stronger and more efficient than ever. This merger has reinvigorated their desire to react and respond and provide for the needs of the hospital and its patients.

Over $16M donated to The Ottawa Hospital

Since 2011, these auxiliaries have donated over $16,000,000 to TOH through the purchase of large pieces of medical equipment, general equipment, patient support services, as well as bursaries for education for our incredible nursing staff, and grants for research programs.

TOHA raises funds by operating various hospital gift shops which are run by TOHA employees and volunteers, as well as the breast pump rental program, a community vendor table rental program, art sales and other innovative fundraising opportunities within the hospital campuses.

Since joining forces with The Rehabilitation Centre volunteers, we will also be hosting fundraising events in the community to benefit TOH rehabilitation patients.

Our Mission

To support The Ottawa Hospital in the delivery of world class health care to our community through innovative fund-raising initiatives and by supporting essential patient services, the acquisition of vital equipment, education and research programs.

Our Vision

To make a positive difference to The Ottawa Hospital patients and the broader hospital community.

Board of Directors

Catherine Higgens profile Catherine Higgens President
Lorne Blackman profile Lorne Blackman Vice-President & Retail Programs
Robert Barnes profile Robert Barnes Secretary
Derek Sider profile Derek Sider Treasurer
Dominique Jones profile Dominique Jones Human Resources
Luciana Nechita profile Luciana Nechita Communications
Tatyana Loerffler-Vulpe profile Tatyana Loerffler-Vulpe Rehabilitation Centre Fundraising
Amin Zahrai profile Amin Zahrai Rehabilitation Patient Support Program
Tracy Murphy profile Tracy Murphy Special Programs
Faduma Wais profile Faduma Wais Membership

Team

Laurence Gillieson profile Laurence Gillieson
Mary Jessup profile Mary Jessup
Hua Lei profile Hua Lei
Krista Peters profile Krista Peters
Sharon Reid profile Sharon Reid
Jacklin Sadehandi profile Jacklin Sadehandi
Vickie Studholme profile Vickie Studholme