From baby hats to ginger ale and smiles

As National Volunteer Week approaches – April 6 – 12th – I would like to offer special thanks to the 800 volunteers who work throughout our Community of Care. We are pleased and honoured to work with you as valued members of our Richmond team.

Each year Volunteer Week provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the many ways that voluntary efforts, enhance our communities and impact the lives of those we serve. I invite you to join me and take a moment next week to thank a volunteer . . . or two or three.

Skilled and trained volunteers provide comfort to our patients, clients and residents, support staff, and contribute to the success of our Foundation and Auxiliary. We are fortunate to attract volunteers ranging in age from their teens through their 80’s with diverse ethnic backgrounds, skills and experience.

Whether making hundreds of baby hats each week, assembling kits for the home health nurse visits, averaging 1800 volunteer hours a month in the Thrift shop, helping the public navigate throughout our hospital (this will be especially important during the upcoming renovations!), bringing ginger ale to those in cancer care, taking residents out for wheelchair walks, or simply providing a welcoming smile, volunteers are key ambassadors of goodwill, compassion and community spirit.

On behalf of the VCH-Richmond Senior Leadership Team, as well as staff and physicians, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to each and every one of our volunteers for your dedication and commitment to our patients, clients and residents. You truly embody and reflect what it means to be “People First.”

Do you work with a volunteer – 0r a group of volunteers – who deserves special recognition? Please share your stories below.