Currently the Gift Shop is open from 10.00 am till 2.00 pm Monday to Friday. The Thrift Store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am till 4.00 pm.
The Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary is a dynamic group of nearly 250 men and women volunteers who have raised millions of dollars for the purchase of equipment and services at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). We raise money through the operation of two retail stores – the Hospital Gift Shop and our Thrift Store at Northridge Plaza – as well as running the Hospital staff 50/50 Lottery draw, and through sales of goods made by our Craft Group.
Our prime focus is to be a caring organization which provides services and financial help for patient care and comfort items, for everyone who uses Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and to encourage support for the hospital within the community.
First and foremost, the Gift Shop provides a vital service for patients, staff and visitors, and stocks essential items that may be needed during a hospital stay.
A wide variety of personal care products, candy, ice cream bars, newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, as well as unique gifts and fashion jewellery are offered for sale.
The store usually services between 250 to 300 customers per day, which makes it a very busy place and is testament to its popularity. Much effort has been made to make it not seem like a “thrift store”, by having individual departments with a “manager” responsible for the presentation and pricing of items, and placing an emphasis on displaying only quality merchandise.
Today there are about 25 talented crafters who work mainly at home, but meet weekly at a room in the hospital to share their work and pick up supplies.
The group produces items for sale, which are offered at a special Craft Sales event held twice a year (April and November) in the lobby of NRGH.
