Among the 800 generous volunteers across the Richmond Community of Care, there are some making the gratifying experience a family affair.

“At first I started volunteering and when my husband saw how much I loved it, he signed up too,” says Emily Emberson, who, for the past two years, has volunteered in the flowercare department, helping maintain and manage the many flowers brought in for patients. “It totally works as a couple because we’re both retired and we know each other’s schedule.”

“I enjoy it because it’s about brightening somebody’s day,” she adds. “It’s about connecting to patient with a smile or just to listen from somebody not there to poke them with needles.”

Emily’s husband Stefan works as a navigator in the hospital foyer, helping lost visitors find their way and he also maintains the organization and flow of unused wheelchairs in the area.

“It’s about giving back,” he says. “I get something from helping people who might be feeling a bit miserable that day.”

Important part of their family

Susanna Chui-Ng and her son Justin are also sharing the fulfillment of helping patients and staff in the surgical daycare department. There, the mother and son welcome and interact with the patients, making them more comfortable and they help staff by assembling and stocking “patient rolls” which include gowns and other necessities.

“Volunteering is an important thing in our family,” explains Susanna who started volunteering four years ago. “It’s not that much, but we get to give back”

So would they recommend volunteering at RichmondHospital to other people?

Yes, go for it – try it,” says Justin who began a year ago. “Come in and talk to the volunteer resources staff.  We’ve referred several people already who have become volunteers.”

Emily says the connections she makes with patients are so strong that she has kept in touch with one woman who was moved to a new care facility. Her and another co-worker still visit the patient and bring her picnic lunches.

“We really connected,” she says. “This is why I do it.”