POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital celebrated Health Care Auxilian Day this week.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo proclaimed May 8 as Health Care Auxilian Day to recognize auxiliary members, who donate more than five million hours of service each year to their healthcare facilities and communities.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital has two hospital guilds. The Edward John Noble Guild was established in Canton in the 1950’s and the Potsdam Hospital Guild was established in the 1930’s.

Last year the Potsdam Guild received the Hospital Association of New York State’s “Auxiliary of the Year” award.

“We are so grateful for the Guilds’ long tradition of supporting our hospital,” noted Foundation Executive Director Laura Cordts. “From the earliest days, when Guild members sewed bed linens and bandages, they have been an integral part of our organization. While much has changed in healthcare, and in the services our Guilds provide, what has not changed is their devotion to our Hospital and community.”

The EJ Noble Guild holds an annual holiday bazaar, a spring soup luncheon, a dinner dance and other fund-raising events throughout the year.

The Potsdam Guild operates the hospital gift shop, hosts in-hospital book and uniform sales and holds a garden tour, among other activities.

The two guilds work together on an annual golf tournament.

Together, the two guilds donated more than $111,000 to the hospital foundation last year. The contributions were used to purchase medical equipment and add services to benefit patients, with emphasis on projects benefiting women and children.

In addition to fund-raising, the guilds serve a vital role in connecting the Hospital with the community.

For more information contact Laura Cordts at 261-5412 or visit the hospital’s website at www.cphospital.org.