In the early days, financing The Children’s Hospital was seen as a charitable concern rather than one of government. Between 1870 – 1900 only £14,700 of the hospital’s total expenditure of £144,000 came from government grants.
The Children’s Hospital was seen as a particularly suitable charity interest for women.
From the outset, members of the hospital’s Committee of Management were mainly from wealthy families and were the largest contributors to the funding of the hospital.
As well as sharing their own wealth, the committee devoted their time and energy into organising bazaars, raffles, concerts, lectures, balls and auctions to raise large sums of money for buildings, land and equipment. The committee’s ties to the rich and powerful were of great benefit to the hospital.
The first paid administrative worker was the collector, who was responsible for collecting subscriptions and donations. This position got off to a tumultuous start, with theft common place until Mr John Jackson was appointed in 1879. Mr Jackson successfully held this position for 25 years, introducing endowed cots, ‘legion of honour’ certificates and raising subscription numbers.
By 1900 the fundraising systems were well-polished, and the committee had become well-practised at raising funds in a hurry by using press and radio to promote their cause. The hospital was a popular and much loved charity to support and the committee understood how to use this to their advantage.
The committee structure continued until the 1980s.
A Charity Hospital exhibition highlights a selection of fundraising memorabilia which reflect the efforts of raising revenue during the formative years of the hospital.
Life Governor Certificate, 1893
Life Governor certificates were issued to individuals or groups to acknowledge a significant contribution to the hospital. In 1870 the minimum donation to become a Life Governor was ten guineas, by the end of 1881 it was raised to 20 pounds.
Life Governor Certificate, 1947
Life Governor certificates were issued to individuals or groups to acknowledge a significant contribution to the hospital. In 1870 the minimum donation to become a Life Governor was ten guineas, by the end of 1881 it was raised to 20 pounds.
Legion of Honor Certificate, 1914
Introduced in 1898 by hospital secretary Mr John Jackson, the Legion of Honor certificates were presented to children who raised two or more pounds for the hospital.
Legion of Honor Certificate, 1898
Introduced in 1898 by hospital secretary Mr John Jackson, the Legion of Honor certificates were presented to children who raised two or more pounds for the hospital.
Letter of Donation sent to Dr Snowball, circa 1896
Letters written to Dr William Snowball (RCH Paediatrician 1882 – 1902) by parents of children treated by Snowball. Often a cheque was also enclosed. PROV VPRS 16797/ P1 unit 1, item Letters 1885 - 1900 (digitised copy)
Letter of Donation sent to Dr Snowball, circa 1896
Letters written to Dr William Snowball (RCH Paediatrician 1882 – 1902) by parents of children treated by Snowball. Often a cheque was also enclosed. PROV VPRS 16797/ P1 unit 1, item Letters 1885 - 1900 (digitised copy)
Dr Snowball Memorial Cot, 1902
Cot endowments was a popular method used by hospitals to raise funds. Individuals could sponsor a cot for a year or in perpetuity with ornamental nameplates advertising the sponsor behind the cot.
Dr Snowball Memorial Cot, 1902
Cot endowments was a popular method used by hospitals to raise funds. Individuals could sponsor a cot for a year or in perpetuity with ornamental nameplates advertising the sponsor behind the cot.
Collectors Certificate for Aunt Connie's Cot, 1896
Cot endowments was a popular method used by hospitals to raise funds. Individuals could sponsor a cot for a year or in perpetuity with ornamental nameplates advertising the sponsor behind the cot.
Alice Tyson Cot, circa 1900
Cot endowments was a popular method used by hospitals to raise funds. Individuals could sponsor a cot for a year or in perpetuity with ornamental nameplates advertising the sponsor behind the cot.
Collecting Tin, early 20th century
Collecting tins have been used throughout the history of the hospital and provide an easy and quick solution to accepting donations.
Extract from Childhood in Bud and Blossom, 1900
In 1897 a new outpatients building desperately needed funding. The Hospital Committee organised a bazaar, opening in 1900. The bazaar souvenir book Children in Bud and Blossom continued to sell afterwards.
Newspaper Clipping, date unknown
A newspaper clipping highlighting the generous donation by an anonymous member of the community. Sherbrooke Convalescent Cottage was built to accommodate children with chronic illnesses.
