Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content

Hospital

ResearchFoundation

Text Resize

Regular Large X-Large

Colour Contrast

Default High

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, please contact accessibility@cheo.on.ca

View Our Accessibility Plan

CareersContact UsWebsite FeedbackMyChart
FR
Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Logo
Contact Us
  • Coming to CHEO
    • Accessibility
    • Amenities
    • CHEO KidCare Pharmacy
    • Health Records
    • Maps and locations
    • Parking
    • Patient safety
    • Pay your bill
    • Preparing for your stay or visit
    • Research Connection
    • Visiting hours and policies
    View our Physician directory page
    Find Your Doctor Directory
  • Clinics, Services & Programs
    • A-Z Directory
    • Core Innovation
    • Emergency care
    • IR/Cath and Sim Labs
    • Make a referral
    • Mental health
    • School
    • Surgical care
    • Virtual care
  • Resources and Support
    • A-Z resources
    • Community supports
    • Families First newsletter
    • Family and caregiver supports
    • Indigeneity - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Social justice
    • Patient Experience
    • Transition to adult care
  • Get Involved
    • Co-op program
    • Donate
    • Family Advisory Council
    • Feedback
    • Share your voice
    • Volunteer
    • YouthNet
  • About Us
    • About CHEO
    • Careers at CHEO
    • CHEO leadership
    • For community physicians
    • For learners, students and residents
    • For pharmacists
    • Newsroom
    • Our partners
    • Privacy and confidentiality

Former volunteer, now 108 years old, helped weave CHEO into fabric of Ottawa

108 year old woman sits in a wheelchair talking to cheo staff member in an office

Regular Large X-Large
 
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email this page Email
Subscribe to Blog

Contact us

Receive Email Updates...
Email icon Back to Search
108 year old woman sits in a wheelchair talking to cheo staff member in an office

Juanita Snelgrove has dedicated her life to helping children in her community through many decades of volunteer work, all while raising three children as a single mother. 

Snelgrove, now 108 years old, was a former volunteer at CHEO.  

“It was a wonderful organization to be a part of. I had the opportunity to be connected in many little ways, along the way,” said Snelgrove, who now has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

As CHEO marks 50 years since it opened its doors on May 17, 1974, volunteers such as Snelgrove are sharing stories about how they helped little patients in the hospital’s early days. 

As a well-connected woman in the city’s west end, she recounts driving around in the 1960s and '70s with her dog Bandit to help the volunteer auxiliary raise money to open a children’s hospital in Ottawa. 

She also spread the word alerting others that children needed hats, sweaters, and toys at the hospital. She would then deliver donations to CHEO. 

“It was really quite simple,” she remembered, downplaying her efforts within her Anglican Church group. 

Snelgrove’s contributions helped CHEO build its connection with the community as the hospital became part of the fabric of Ottawa. 

Helping children was at the core of all Snelgrove's volunteer work with organizations like the Girl Guides, the Dunrobin Women’s Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.   

She also worked hard to protect greenspace as a board member of the Pinhey’s Point Foundation in Ottawa’s west end, and a park in north Kanata was named in her honour. 

Throughout CHEO’s 50 years, volunteers have continued to play a valuable role in creating the best life for every child and youth. 

Receive Email Updates...

CHEO

  • Coming to CHEO
  • Clinics, Services & Programs
  • Resources and Support
  • Get Involved
  • About Us

Contact Us

CHEO
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa ON K1H 8L1
Phone: 613-737-7600
Email Us

 

Connect with us

View our Facebook Page View our Instagram Page View our YouTube Page View our LinkedIn Page

Sign up for our newsletter

twitter:00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario logo

Copyright 2025 CHEO.

By GHD Digital
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Website Feedback
  • Contact Us

Staff Portal

Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.