Like 93-year-old Josephine Macdonald, all Vancouver volunteers have a story to tell. As we look forward to National Volunteer Week, April 23 to 29, we asked five volunteers to give voice to their volunteer experience and share why they find volunteering meaningful to them.

Here’s what they said:

Dale: “Expanding your social network and giving back to your community makes you feel good about yourself.”

Erika: “I have learned about patience, compassion, positivity and resiliency.”

Celia: “I will continue to contribute to the community, not only to learn, but also to help others.”

Yulia: “Seeing patients and their loved ones go through physical and emotional pain, frustration and loss has changed my values in life and taught me compassion.”

John: “This has been one of the most enriching and rewarding choices I have ever made.”

Collectively, Dale, Erika, Celia, Yulia and John have volunteered more than 1,500 hours, generously donating their time to various Vancouver acute and community programs and facilities.

There are more than 1,300 active volunteers working for VCH in Vancouver. The roles they play range from holding newborns to spending time with patients in palliative care. Volunteers help ensure children are immunized, offer support to families in the Emergency Department, play bingo with seniors – and so much more. They’re united by a common commitment to our patients, residents and clients. They’re an integral part of our health care system.

Why not take a moment to say thank you to a volunteer next week? Your kind words will be appreciated and most deserved.

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Join us and thank a volunteer next week

Volunteer Josephine still going strong at 93