As we kick-off National Volunteer Week we wanted to take a moment to thank all of our volunteers for their invaluable contributions to our hospital. The theme this year is Volunteering is Empathy in Action which couldn’t be more fitting for all six of our volunteer groups. Watching our volunteers support those that work and receive care here with such care and compassion is inspiring, especially in the light of the challenges that this pandemic has presented both this year and last.
We were thrilled to finally be able to welcome back our in-hospital volunteers in March. Seeing our Auxiliary members in our hallways once again has filled our hearts with joy and feels like a symbol of brighter days ahead. The Auxiliary’s Seconds Count Thrift Shop had to close a few times over the last year in response to the pandemic, but we are grateful to see the doors open once more. This team not only volunteers their time and talents but raises funds to support the investment of much needed equipment at our hospital.
Our volunteer spiritual care chaplains have also returned to the hospital full-time, supporting our patients, their families and staff in times of need.
Heading into spring our campus is looking brighter with every bud in bloom thanks to the hard work of our Friendship Garden volunteers. People aged 55+ in our community have continued to receive wellness checks as well as vital support from our dedicated TeleCheck volunteers. Thank you also to the members of our hospital’s board of directors whose contributions continued this year.
We are also grateful for our Patient Family Advisors who were hard at work remotely supporting projects across the hospital including co-designing our Annual Report and helping us implement a new Health Information System. Your collective voice ensures that patients, families, and caregivers are at the heart of everything that we do.
Wishing you all a very happy National Volunteer Recognition Week!
Kim Delahunt
President & CEO
Headwaters Health Care Centre