Alcoholics Anonymous History In Your Area
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.aatoronto.org/btimes.html
25 Years for Service Meeting
The Scarborough General Hospital Service Meeting started on November 8, 1977.
Founders include Tony T., Duncan Donald M., Jack T., Joe S., all of whom continued coming to the meetings until their deaths from causes other than alcohol. Bill M, Unionville Group, was present at the first meeting and continues to attend today.
Roy St. C. came to the second meeting as a hospital patient. Soon, Murray D., now deceased after 44 years of sobriety, became a regular – coming early to set up and make coffee.
the legendary Tommy H., Unionville Group, was also there at the beginning continuing his support until his death in 1999. His wife, Betty, an employee of the hospital, supported and facilitated the meeting being there. She still attends and lends her support where needed. She helped get reduced-cost parking for those attending AA.
For ages, Bob, also of the Unionville Group, co-ordinated the weekly set-up with a number of faithful AAs, now mostly getting on in years. Recently the torch was passed to me, Terry G., Scarborough Group.
It is a true honor for me. It was the first AA meeting I attended when I started my journey in recovery and service. It has played a great part in carrying the message to the still suffering alcoholics on the 10th (Psychiatric) floor of the hospital.
Many fellow AAs started their journey at the Scarborough General Hospital Meeting. Over the past year, it has amazed me how many speakers attended their first meeting as a patient.
Part of the service offered by members includes escorting patients down from the 10th floor, as well as setting up, making coffee, and putting on the meeting.
The regular meeting at the hospital (located on the northwest corner of McCowan and Lawrence) is in the Crockford classroom on the main floor. No rent is charged but the meeting makes an annual donation to the Scarborough General Hospital Foundation.
Originally a discussion meeting, the format soon changed to its current style. Three readings, then a speaker shares his / her experience, strength and hope for 25 minutes, followed by a 15 minute question period. This format has been found very suitable for a hospital meeting.
Last year, the regular members adopted the policy of giving out desire chips to those new and just coming back. Also, a Big Book is given to someone attending their first meeting. Many Big Books have been given out to patients with the hope of planting the seed.
Over the last two years, attendance has dropped. The regulars are doing everything in their power to keep the meeting alive and well. Groups in the surrounding area have been asked to support the meeting – volunteering to set up, supply the Chairperson, and find the speaker. Pine Hills, As Bill Sees It, and Keep It Simple are some of the groups taking on a month at a time. More groups are needed to volunteer. There are still four months that need to be filled. This is a great way to get newcomers involved in service.
The Scarborough General Hospital Meeting is celebrating 25 years of continuous service on November 5, at 7:00 pm, in the Main Auditorium. The speaker is Mildred F., Rox Glen Traditional Group.
Please come and support the 25th Anniversary Meeting – and feel the spirit of the many that have passed on, but left the message to us.
Terry G.
Copyright © October 2002, Better Times, GTA Intergroup, Toronto, Canada
http://www.aatoronto.org/