About 240 representatives from District Three of the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario (HAAO) will congregate at the Orangeville Agricultural Centre today (Thursday) for a day-long conference.

Delegates will attend from a wide area of Ontario from Huntsville to the Bruce Peninsula and west to Lake Huron. It will be the largest gathering held to this date and promises to be an interesting and informative event.

The Headwaters Auxiliary has a long history of providing volunteers for support to doctors and local hospitals dating back to 1907 when a branch of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) was formed. In 1911, The Lord Dufferin Hospital opened at the corner of First and McCarthy streets.

The volunteers worked with the community to build the hospital as the community grew.

In 1954, The Lord Dufferin Chapter of the IODE surrendered the hospital charter to the new board and Dufferin Area Hospital became a reality.

Throughout the years, as demands grew, fund-raising became an important area of the Auxiliary's efforts and this remains an important part of its mandate today. The ladies worked hard to attract new members and for a first time men were welcomed into the auxiliary.

The new Headwaters Health Care Centre opened in 1997 and in May will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Last year, the goal of raising $1 million for the purchase of equipment was achieved by the Auxiliary ahead of schedule.

The many dedicated volunteers continue to donate many hours helping in areas throughout the hospital and at the many fund-raising events.

New members are always As the hospital moves forward, welcome and needed. Those who wish to contribute and give back to their community should contact the Headwaters Auxiliary at 519-941-2410 ext. 2268 or pick up an application at the information desk in the hospital. it could not function without the dedication of its team of volunteers that assist in providing a superior level of care to all who need it.

They're looking forward to a productive day communicating with other Auxiliaries and their members.