About Brighten Group

A Legacy of Caring. A Future of Brightening Lives.

With roots as the hospital’s Auxiliary dating back to 1919 and a presence at Saint John Regional Hospital since 1982, Brighten Group has been a warm and consistent source of comfort, care and community for patients, families and staff for generations.

Our Mission

Comfort. Care. Community.

Rooted in a tradition of caring since 1919, Brighten Group is dedicated to making every hospital day a little brighter. Through meaningful Patient Comfort Programs, thoughtful support and community generosity, we bring comfort, care and kindness to patients, families and staff at Saint John Regional Hospital.

History

Generations of Comfort, Care & Community

What began as a hospital Auxiliary in 1919 continues today as Brighten Group, bringing comfort and kindness to patients, families and staff at Saint John Regional Hospital through the Brighten Group Gift Shop and Patient Comfort Programs.

1919

Women’s Hospital Aid forms

Formed under Mrs. A.C. Skelton, with Mrs. E. Atherton Smith acting as first President, to extend aid to ward patients and assist the General Public Hospital.

1930s

Practical care expands

Taxi tickets provide vital transportation for patients in need, while annual cut-out parties bring volunteers together, laying the foundation for today’s beloved Tops for Tots program.

1950s

The Gift Case opens

Known as the Women’s Auxiliary, the Gift Case opens at the General Hospital, staffed entirely by volunteers. In October 1982, the Auxiliary moves to the new Saint John Regional Hospital.

1980s

SJRH opens

In 1982, the new Saint John Regional Hospital opens, welcoming the Auxiliary’s Old General Store, which continues today as the Brighten Group Gift Shop.

1990s

Gardens and Tops for Tots

In the 1990s, the Healing Gardens and Tops for Tots programs take root. On April 1, 1992, the Auxiliary officially incorporates as the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary Inc., continuing its legacy of care.

2000

Programs Grow

The Auxiliary expands its Patient Comfort Programs, introducing the Comfort Cart and other daily initiatives, while continuing to give back to the hospital through meaningful projects, including the Multi-Faith Chapel.

2010

More Shopping available

In the fall of 2010, the Auxiliary expands its retail offerings with the opening of Trinkets & Treasures, a new Fashion Accessory Counter at the hospital.

2015

The Brighten Group

In 2015, the Auxiliary becomes Brighten Group, with the Uniform Shop and Hair Salon in place. The Host 100 fundraising initiative begins, building new opportunities to support Patient Comfort.

Today

Into the Future

Brighten Group continues its tradition of giving, reinvesting Brighten Group Gift Shop profits into meaningful Patient Comfort Programs that bring care and kindness to Saint John Regional Hospital.

Values

What guides everything we do.

From the Brighten Group Gift Shop staff to program volunteers, our work is anchored in comfort, care and community.

Comfort

No patient should face a hospital stay without basic necessities. Our programs help ensure people have clothing, essentials, and transportation.

Care

We respond to real needs of the hospital community with practical support, thoughtful programs, and a willingness to keep improving the hospital experience.

Community

Our strength comes from Saint John and surrounding areas. Shoppers, partners, staff, and volunteers are the engine behind everything we accomplish.

Our Team

Meet Our Team

Our Managing Director, who works alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers and Board of Directors to bring the Brighten Group’s mission to life.

Jessica Lundberg

Managing Director

Jessica leads Brighten Group’s daily operations, working closely with our team, volunteers and hospital partners to support our Brighten Group Gift Shop and Patient Comfort Programs. Her dedication helps carry forward our tradition of Comfort, Care & Community at Saint John Regional Hospital.

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Leadership

Meet our Board of Directors

Community leadership with a shared purpose. Brighten Group is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide governance, leadership and support as we continue our long tradition of serving patients, families and the Saint John Regional Hospital community.