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Founded in 1874 as the Women’s Christian Association, the McCormick Care Group has had a long history of providing compassionate care to the London Community, including the establishment of Parkwood Hospital, McCormick Home and Wellspring London and Region.

Today, the McCormick Care Group oversees the operation of McCormick Home, a long-term care facility for seniors; McCormick Dementia Services, a program that serves individuals and their families who are living with dementia; and McCormick Dementia Research, an organization focused on attracting and engaging with research partners to discover new ways to enhance the lives of those living with a dementia diagnosis. All organizations share the McCormick Care Group’s core values of Compassion, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

  1. 1876
  2. 1876
  3. 1894
  4. 1925
  5. 1926
  6. 1927
  7. 1931
  8. 1934
  9. 1934
  10. 1939
  11. 1949
  12. 1964
  13. 1964
  14. 1965
  15. 1967
  16. 1974
  17. 1974
  18. 1974
  19. 1974
  20. 1979
  21. 1979
  22. 1981
  23. 1984
  24. 1986
  25. 1992
  26. 1994
  27. 1995
  28. 1997
  29. 1999
  30. 2000
  31. 2002
  32. 2004
  33. 2005
  34. 2005
  35. 2005
  36. 2005
  37. 2006
  38. 2006
  39. 2006
  40. 2006
  41. 2006
  42. 2006
  43. 2006
  44. 2008
  45. 2008
  46. 2011
  47. 2014
  48. 2016
  49. 2016
  50. 2018
  51. 2019
  52. 2020
  53. 2022
  54. 2024

  1. Incorporated

    Women’s Christian Association is officially incorporated.

    The Charter Members of WCA were a remarkable group of women. Left to right; Mrs. Ellen H. Gregsten, the first president; Mrs J.J. Lancaster, the first vice-president, Mrs. Ann Newcombe, the first secretary; Mrs. Joyce Webster, the first treasurer.

  2. 1876 – 1892

    1876: Soup Kitchen opened in the Market Square. The Women’s Refuge and Infants Home opened on Grey Street.

    1886: Home for Aged Women opened at the corner of King and Waterloo streets.

    1888: Responsibility assumed for the Aged Men’s Home.

    1892: Home for Aged Women joined with the Home for Aged Men at the corner of Richmond and Victoria streets.

  3. 1894 – 1896

    1894: Home for Incurables opened at Hamilton Road and Egerton Street.

    1896: Home for Incurables moved to Dundas Street and renamed Victoria Home for Incurables.

  4. 50th Anniversary

    The WCA celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding.

    A clipping from the London Advertiser on the Women’s Christian Association’s 50th Anniversary dated March 10th, 1925.

    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  5. Aged Home Renamed

    Aged People’s Home renamed McCormick Home for the Aged. New wing added to McCormick Home.

    Thomas J. McCormick included a bequest in his will to donate the original McCormick Home that stood at the corners of Richmond and Victoria streets in London, Ontario for many years.

    Mr. McCormick, a London entrepreneur, founded McCormick Manufacturing, also known as McCormick’s Biscuits and Candies, in 1854.

  6. Victoria Home Renamed

    The Victoria Home for Incurables is renamed Parkwood Hospital for Incurables.

    The Home for Incurables on Grand Ave.

    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  7. Garden Parties 1931

    Parkwood Hospital

    June 1931 – Patients under a spreading chestnut tree. Miss Lillian Uren, Superintendent, is seated centre with a basket of flowers from the patients

  8. Parkwood New Wing

    Latest addition to the Parkwood Hospital.

    This new wing was opened by J.P. Moore. The guests for the occasion were Hon. Dr. Robb, Minister of Health for Ontario. The opening also marks the 60th anniversary of WCA.

  9. 60th Anniversary

    WCA celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding with a reception at McCormick Home for the Aged.

    Standing: Mrs. C.G. McIntosh, Mrs. Frank White, Mrs. Max Lerner, Miss Josephine Little (Superintendent of the Home), Miss Alberta Hunsberger, Mrs. H.S. Laughton, Mrs. John Hyatt, Mrs. C.A. Cannell, Mrs. George Hyatt. Seated: Mrs. E.K. Davis, Mrs. Arthur Shore, Mrs. R.J. Bowen (President), Mrs. S.J. Moore, Mrs. B.F. Brighton, Mrs. P.L. Brighton.

  10. Garden Parties 1939

    Parkwood Hospital

    Picture Bottom: June 1939 – Top WCA officials Mrs. R.J. Bowen, President; Miss Lillian Uren, Superintendent; Mrs. J.W. Jeffery; Mrs. George Hyatt. Bottom – Patients enjoying the entertainment.

  11. 75th Anniversary

    The Women’s Christian Association holds its 75th Anniversary Celebration.

    A clipping from The London Free Press on The Women’s Christian Association’s 75th Anniversary.
    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  12. 90th Anniversary

    Sod-turning was held for the construction of the north-east wing of McCormick Home.

  13. 90th Anniversary

    As part of the 90th anniversary, eight women receive lifetime membership pins.

  14. Board of Directors

    WCA board of directors in front of McCormick Home.

    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  15. McCormick Home Opening

    Opening of new McCormick Home on Richmond and Victoria streets.

  16. 100th Anniversary of WCA

  17. 100th Anniversary of WCA

    WCA board members attend a Christmas luncheon at McCormick Home.

    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives

  18. 100th Anniversary of WCA

    Parkwood Hospital

  19. 100th Anniversary of WCA

    Country musician Tommy Hunter visits Parkwood Hospital.

    Tommy Hunter (centre)

    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  20. Parkwood Hospital

    Day hospital officially opened at Parkwood Hospital.

  21. Halloween Fun

    The 9th London Brownie Pack joins McCormick Home Residents for a Halloween Party.

  22. Parkwood Hospital 1981-1983

    1981: Sketch plans for new Parkwood Hospital accepted by Ministry of Health.

    1982: Contract awarded to build new Parkwood Hospital in two years.

    1983: Royal Canadian Legion donates to Parkwood Hospital building fund.

    Royal Canadian Legion’s donation to Parkwood Hospital building fund.
    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  23. Parkwood Hospital Opens

    New Parkwood Hospital officially opened.

  24. Alzheimer Support 1986-1991

    1986: Alzheimer Community Support Services is created at Parkwood Hospital. Sod-turning ceremony for Western Counties Wing.

    1989: Official opening of Arthur J. Hobbins Building. Official opening of the new Western Counties Wing by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

    1991: Alzheimer Community Support Services is moved from Parkwood Hospital to McCormick Home and later becomes Alzheimer Outreach Services.

  25. Olympian Visits Parkwood

    Gold medalist Mark Tewksbury visits Parkwood Hospital.

    Gold medalist Mark Tewksbury (far right).
    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  26. Parkwood’s 100th Anniversary

    Commemorating Parkwood Hospital’s 100th anniversary.

    Garden Commemorating Parkwood Hospital’s 100th anniversary.
    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  27. Lifetime Achievement

    WCA receives Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award for 121 years of service from The YM-YWCA.

    WCA Board of Directors 1995-1996.
    Photo Credit: Women’s Christian Association fonds, Western University Archives.

  28. Parkwood Ownership Changes

    WCA relinquishes ownership of Parkwood Hospital to St. Joseph’s Health Centre.

  29. Wellspring Formed

    Wellspring London and Region formed as a division of WCA.

    Wellspring offers a wide range of cancer support programs and services, at no charge, to meet the emotional, social, psychological and informational needs of people living with cancer, and those who care for them. 

  30. Rebuilding McCormick Home 2000

    WCA commits to rebuilding McCormick Home.

     

  31. Rebuilding McCormick Home 2002

    Site selected for new McCormick Home and Alzheimer Outreach Services.

  32. Rebuilding McCormick Home

    Sod-turning ceremony held for New McCormick Home.

    130th Anniversary of WCA.

  33. Rebuilding McCormick Home

    Construction of new McCormick Home on Kains Road and Oxford Street.

  34. Rebuilding McCormick Home

    Construction of new McCormick Home on Kains Road and Oxford Street.

  35. Rebuilding McCormick Home

    Construction of new McCormick Home on Kains Road and Oxford Street.

  36. Rebuilding McCormick Home

    Construction of new McCormick Home on Kains Road and Oxford Street.

  37. McCormick Home Completed

    Construction at the new location at Kains Road and Oxford Street is completed.

  38. McCormick Home Completed

    Construction at the new location at Kains Road and Oxford Street is completed.

  39. McCormick Home Completed

    Construction at the new location at Kains Road and Oxford Street is completed.

  40. McCormick Home Completed

    Construction at the new location at Kains Road and Oxford Street is completed.

  41. McCormick Home Completed

    Construction at the new location at Kains Road and Oxford Street is completed.

  42. Official Opening

    The new McCormick Home is officially opened in June 2006.

  43. Official Opening

    The new McCormick Home is officially opened in June 2006.

  44. Wellspring Expands

    Wellspring provides additional program space and improved accessibility to all programs.

    Stephen State signs the top line of the dedication board in memory of his wife Barbara.

  45. Wellspring Expands

    Wellspring provides additional program space and improved accessibility to all programs.

    Valerie Hobson leads the Yoga session in Wellspring’s new expanded program space.

  46. Wellspring Transition

    WCA facilitates Wellspring London and Region’s transition to a stand-alone charitable organization. Wellspring enters into a service agreement with the YMCA of Western Ontario.

  47. 140th Anniversary

    WCA celebrates 140 years of serving the London community.

  48. Rebranding Project

    WCA, McCormick Home and Alzheimer Outreach Services are rebranded to reflect their commitment to dementia care leadership.

    Read More about McCormick Care Group’s rebranding project.

  49. McCormick Dementia Research Founded

    McCormick Care Group launches McCormick Dementia Research to formalize its dementia care research activities and collaborations.

  50. Celebrating 145 Years

    McCormick Care Group celebrates 145 years of serving the London community.

  51. Strategic Directions

    McCormick Care Group Strategic Directions for 2019-2022 are established.

    Learn more about our Strategic Directions.

  52. COVID-19 Pandemic

    COVID-19 pandemic causes significant changes to organizational operations and services to reduce risk of infection.

    Learn More about our COVID-19 Safety Measures

  53. Strategic Plan 2022-2025

    McCormick Care Group establishes Strategic Plan for 2022-2025.

    Learn more

  54. 150th Anniversary

    McCormick Care Group celebrates 150 years of quality dementia care in the London community.

    Learn More

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