It's been 50 years since the Douglas Auxiliary was created. And what a journey it has been. Auxiliary volunteers have befriended thousands of Douglas patients over the past half century. Their mandate—so simple and noble—is to improve our patients’ quality of life.

In honour of the Auxiliary's 50th anniversary, President Mary Campbell has graciously agreed to speak about the Auxiliary's challenges and successes, past and present. 

Q: Speaking of challenging times, could you give us an idea of what challenges the Auxiliary faced when it first opened its doors in 1959?
M.C.: Well, there were approximately 1,500 patients, many of whom lived on locked wards. The needs were enormous. From the start, the Auxiliary's mandate focused on meeting patients' everyday needs. Our Corner Store and Snack Bar opened around this time. There were many exciting initiatives: day trips and camping, gifts for all patients at Christmastime and a sponsorship program to create links between members of the general public and specific patients, to name a few.

Q: The Douglas has changed radically since that time. How has the Auxiliary evolved in response?
M.C.: Although most Douglas patients now live in the community, their needs haven't changed as much as you might think. Auxiliary volunteers still provide emotional support and activities—basic needs that can make a huge difference in the lives of people with severe mental illness. And 100 percent of the money we raise goes to the patients. How many volunteer organizations can say that?

Q: The Auxiliary has always been a "go-to" place for patients in need of short-term financial help and someone to hear their troubles.
M.C.: Let's say a Douglas patient can't pay the rent. Or the grocery bill. Or the telephone bill. He (or she) is trying valiantly to live on a tiny income, but the numbers don't add up… That's when Douglas staff bring patients to the Auxiliary office and ask us for financial support. Patients also come on their own to ask for help. They're upset and scared. We do our best to help them avoid stressful and potentially devastating consequences (like losing their apartment). It's a big part of what we do. We'd like to help more patients, but we need to increase our number of donors.

Q: How much do you need?
M.C.: A donation of $20 per year per person would make an amazing difference. I'm hoping that people reading this article will call us and make that commitment. There's no easier way to help the very people you're working with every day, and we'll provide you with a tax receipt too.

Q: What are some of your biggest challenges right now?
M.C.: Our volunteers are getting older and new members aren't signing up to fill the ranks. For example, I've been president for 19 years and no one has stepped up to replace me. In addition, we are earning less money than in past years. We're also moving. The Auxiliary office has already moved from Newman Pavilion to Perry Pavilion, and our Snack Bar and Corner Store will soon be based in Perry Pavilion too. We hope this will increase our visibility and our ability to earn money to help Douglas patients. By all means, come and say hello. We'd love to see you.

Q: Despite these challenges, you've made a generous $30,000 donation to the Institute in honour of your anniversary. How will the money be used?
M.C.: Yes, we dug deep into our resources to make this donation. We felt it was important to mark our 50th year of helping Douglas patients with a major gift. The $30,000 will be used to build a kitchen in Burgess Pavilion. Staff will use this facility to teach patients how to cook healthy, inexpensive meals.

Q: In conclusion, what message do you want to pass on to the Douglas community?
M.C.: I'd like to say two things. First: to all Auxiliary volunteers, to Paul Cooke, who supplies us with volunteers, and to all Auxiliary supporters, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Second: to Douglas staff, let me reiterate that this is an ideal time to donate to the Auxiliary. Times are tough for all of us. Imagine how much harder it is for those with a severe mental illness!

Q: What should people do if they want to make a donation?
M.C.: Just write a cheque to the Douglas Institute Auxiliary, and mail it to the Institute address to my attention. Please make sure you provide us with your address. We will be most grateful for every cheque we receive.