A little bit of history—yes, fundraising has always been part of our journey.
In early 1940, the nearest hospital to Langley was Royal Columbian—a long, slow journey through muddy roads by car or horse. Its facilities stretched to the limit; the rumour mill touted that patients from the valley would soon be turned away. A newly established Hospital Committee negotiated with the Province on cost and construction.
In 1944 the committee pledged to raise $15,000 towards a hospital, with the Langley Municipality and Provincial and Federal governments raising $105,000.
On July 14, 1948, Langley’s cottage hospital opened its doors, offering 31 beds to serve its community closer to home.
It was built with pride, and named with affection.
Some 75 years ago the residents of Langley Township had the grit and the community spirit to construct a 35-bed hospital, “the hospital on the hill,” as it was lovingly named, that would provide a stable health care centre to the region’s 8,000 residents.
The need was great. In 1942, Langley residents spent over 6,000 days in hospital (New Westminster or Abbotsford), yet BC had no plans to build a hospital in Langley. The community took over - and tireless fundraising efforts ensured the community was positioned to thrive. And so it has.
Follow us as we meander through the expansions and development of Langley Memorial in the next couple of weeks in celebration of LMH's 75th anniversary, on July 14!
lmhfoundation.com/news
Below, see the photo album from July 14, 2023 our official 75th Anniversary Picnic Celebration.
Big thank you to all our sponsors
Lanstone Homes, Presenting Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors: Chartwell Retirement Residences • Magellan Law Corporation • Langley Advance Times
In Kind Sponsors: Bria Communities , Save On Foods Aldergrove, Country Lumber, Preston GM, Valley Traffic Services
And our event partners: Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Langley Hospital Heritage Committee, Langley Memorial Medical Staff Association, Fraser Health Authority
