Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary (TOHA)

The Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary (TOHA) is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that raises revenue through hospital gift shops, a medical supply store, space rentals and other fundraising initiatives. One hundred percent of shop and space-rental proceeds are donated back to The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) and related programs. Since 2011, TOHA and its predecessor auxiliaries have contributed more than $16 million for vital medical equipment, patient services, staff support and research at TOH.

TOHA plays a distinctive role as an in-hospital philanthropic partner. It focuses on practical, high-impact funding that responds directly to needs identified by clinicians, psychosocial services and hospital leadership. Its support ranges from large capital equipment, such as neonatal ventilators and endobronchial ultrasound equipment, to general equipment including waiting room televisions, tablets and other patient-comfort items.

Beyond capital purchases, TOHA funds and manages a portfolio of special programs targeting vulnerable patients and families. These include the Rehabilitation Centre Patient Support program, which provides funding of last resort for urgent clinical and psychosocial needs, clothing cupboards at multiple campuses to ensure patients can be discharged with dignity, a Layette Program offering newborn essentials to families in financial difficulty, and a Toiletries Program supplying basic personal care items to in-patients without means or family support.

TOHA also contributes annually to the Dr. Elianna Saidenberg Patient Urgent Needs Fund, administered by Psychosocial Services, which finances emergency needs such as medications, transportation and accommodation for patients and their families. Nursing Education Bursaries, administered by TOH’s Nursing Education Department, support nurses pursuing further studies, with TOHA increasing its annual contribution in recognition of the impact on quality of care.

In partnership with The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, TOHA has funded endowment funds such as the Les Amis Ophthalmology Research Chair and the Les Amis Neurosciences Research Chair. Income from these endowments is granted annually to support innovative research projects in ophthalmology and neurosciences, enabling investments in technology, recruitment and trainee support.

Through these diverse funding streams—equipment purchases, patient-support programs, bursaries and research endowments—TOHA acts as a long-term, flexible funder embedded within the hospital environment, helping TOH respond quickly to emerging needs while improving patients’ quality of life.

TOHA’s funding primarily serves patients of The Ottawa Hospital, especially those facing financial hardship, newcomers, individuals experiencing housing insecurity and rehabilitation patients with complex needs. It also supports TOH staff and volunteers through appreciation initiatives and professional development opportunities. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a small staff team that oversees retail operations and business functions, alongside a large corps of volunteers who contribute to both fundraising and program delivery.