Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Boutique Officially Opens in New Location
The Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary (BGHA) Gift Boutique celebrated its grand opening on March 17, marking the return of a beloved service that has supported patients, staff, and visitors for decades.
Located just inside the hospital’s main entrance, the new space ensures the Gift Boutique continues its long-standing tradition of raising vital funds to support hospital programs and patient care. The relocation was made possible through the dedication of Auxiliary volunteers, with generous support from Trenval Business Development Corporation, which contributed $10,000 toward the project.
The celebration featured remarks from local dignitaries, including Mayor Neil Ellis, Quinte Health President and CEO Stacey Daub, and BGH Auxiliary President Heather Smith, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The BGH Auxiliary has been at the heart of hospital volunteerism for decades, and today’s reopening is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our volunteers,” said Heather Smith, President of the BGH Auxiliary. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors back and to continue raising funds that directly support patient care at BGH.”
The Auxiliary has operated a hospital gift shop since the 1960s, starting as a small display case in a waiting room. Over the years, it evolved into a permanent fixture, serving as a welcoming space where visitors could find gifts, essentials, and comfort items while also supporting hospital programs. The shop was forced to close in late 2020 when its space was repurposed to expand oncology services amid pandemic-related care needs.
“The reopening of the Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Boutique represents more than just a retail space—it is a symbol of resilience, generosity, and community spirit,” said Stacey Daub, President & CEO of Quinte Health. “Our Auxiliaries are true partners in caring for our community – I am so grateful for the care, compassion and support they provide to our hospitals and the people we serve.”
Mayor Neil Ellis echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of volunteers in strengthening the local healthcare system. “Belleville is fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who are deeply committed to supporting our hospital,” he said. “The Auxiliary’s efforts make a real difference in the lives of patients, families, and hospital staff, and I’m honoured to celebrate this milestone with them today.”
Trenval Business Development Corporation played a key role in making the relocation possible through the Community Empowerment for Economic Development (CEED), designed to assist non-profit corporations with a contribution towards projects that are incremental and strive to enhance the growth and well-being of the community.
“We are proud to support this important initiative, knowing that the Gift Boutique’s success translates into tangible benefits for hospital programs and patient care,” said Amber Darling, Executive Director, Trenval Development Corporation.
The Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Boutique is now open to the public, offering a variety of gifts and hospital essentials featuring many local products with all proceeds reinvested into supporting patient care at BGH.
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