A Toronto group of volunteers, led by Elizabeth McMaster, foresaw the need for a paediatric hospital in downtown Toronto.

In 1875, The Ladies Committee rented, furnished and organized a two-storey home with 11 small rooms, at 31 Avenue Street.  

There, a dedicated group of self-taught nurses treated their first patient April 3,1875.

Dr. Andrew Chute, Professor of Paediatrics and Physician in Chief at the Hospital for Sick Children challenged his spouse, Dr. Helen (Reid) Chute to organize a women's group to secure funding for a medical library.

In December, 1949, eleven wives of physicians met at the Chute's home. The following year, 88 Chartered members attended the inaugural meeting of the Women's Auxiliary on October 4, 1950. 

Dr. Helen (Reid) Chute was a respected author and pioneer in the field of biomedical communications  Her obituary beautifully captured her legacy: "Helen's many achievements were only eclipsed by the warmth and generosity of her heart".

WAV was established on March 8, 1950 and with an original goal of $2,000.00, raised $6,725.00 in their first year,

COMPASSION      *      INCLUSION      *      COMMITMENT      *      INNOVATION      *      COLLABORATION