It may have been a first-ever for VCH Richmond’s Long Service Awards ceremony – two standing ovations for two people who have dedicated good portions of their lives in service to Richmond healthcare.

Dr. Victor Dirnfeld’s 47 years of service was acknowledged with a special certificate of recognition.

At last Thursday night’s annual awards night, Eleanor Peverelle received her 40-year pin for volunteer service to the Richmond Hospital and Healthcare Auxiliary. Dr. Victor Dirnfeld, while not marking a formal, Long Service milestone, was nonetheless honoured for 47 years of service with a special certificate and presentation.

Like my second home

Peverelle, now in her 9th decade of life, has seen the hospital gift shop move to five different locations during her time as a volunteer. She enjoys volunteering and offers a welcoming attitude to everyone who comes into the gift shop. Eleanor has continue to volunteer in the gift shop for so many years because of the staff, and because she is able to.

Dirnfeld, similarly, continues to provide the hospital with a lifetime’s worth of medical expertise. On Active staff at Richmond Hospital as an Internist since February 1968, he’s served as an honorary member of the medical staff since 2012

A night to remember

In 2014, a total of 251 people across VCH Richmond reached an employment and volunteer milestone for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service. All combined, those 251 people contributed 4,290 years of employment and voluntary service to VCH and its predecessor organizations.

“I appreciate being able to work in a place where people know each-other; where you share sense of common purpose and celebrate together over a job well done,” said Jennifer MacKenzie , chief operating officer, VCH Richmond, in her opening remarks. “That’s what impresses me so about Richmond.”

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