Role of Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary in the funding ecosystem
Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary (ERHA) is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, British Columbia. The Auxiliary raises funds through the operation of a hospital gift shop, a community thrift shop in Port Coquitlam, 50/50 raffles and a variety of fundraising events. All proceeds are directed back to the hospital in the form of equipment purchases and patient comfort enhancements, making ERHA an important local funding partner for healthcare infrastructure and services.
As of December 2024, the Auxiliary reports more than $2 million donated to Eagle Ridge Hospital, including major contributions such as $250,000 toward the expansion of the emergency room and significant investments in items like orthopedic video towers, blanket warmers, furniture, vital signs monitors and other clinical and comfort-related equipment.
Scholarships and bursaries for the healthcare sector
Beyond equipment and capital projects, ERHA administers a bursary program that provides direct financial support to individuals pursuing careers in healthcare. Each year, the Auxiliary awards two $2,500 bursaries to graduating secondary-school students in the Tri-Cities region who plan to enter health-related fields. A separate $2,500 bursary is offered to Eagle Ridge Hospital employees and other mature students working in the health sector who are upgrading their education, retraining for new roles or re-entering the workforce.
The bursary program features downloadable application forms and clearly documented criteria, along with published lists of past recipients. This structured approach positions ERHA as a community-level funder of health education and workforce development, complementing its role in financing hospital infrastructure.
Supported audiences and overall impact
ERHA’s funding activities primarily benefit Eagle Ridge Hospital patients, visitors and staff, as well as students and employees in the regional healthcare system. By channeling proceeds from retail and fundraising operations into equipment, patient comforts and educational bursaries, the Auxiliary strengthens local care capacity and improves the hospital environment. Its transparent reporting of annual donations and specific funded items helps demonstrate the impact of community contributions and encourages ongoing support from donors, volunteers and vendors.