A message from Kim Delahunt, President & CEO
These are unprecedented times in all areas of our lives and the lives of the ones we love near and far.
This year’s National Volunteer Week’s theme is “It’s time to applaud this country’s volunteers.”
We are applauding our volunteers from a distance but with as much fervor and enthusiasm as ever.
Make no mistake, we miss our volunteers who give so much to our hospital expecting nothing in return but the satisfaction of a job well done and the ability to make a difference.
Nearly two months ago we made the difficult decision to change the role of volunteers in the Emergency Department in order to protect volunteers and patients alike. Soon after, we made yet another hard decision to remove volunteers from our hospital entirely. This also meant we had to indefinitely delay the reopening of our hospital’s Café and Gift Shop. Seconds Count Thrift Shop in Orangeville also closed its doors to protect its volunteers and shoppers as we learned more about COVID-19 and the indiscriminate nature of the pandemic.
While this time has been extraordinarily challenging for many of us, it is important to take a moment to thank those who give of their time, talents and through their philanthropy to ensure our hospital is the best it can be.
We are so fortunate to have a cadre of volunteers supporting the Headwaters Health Care Auxiliary’s efforts throughout the hospital and in the Café, Gift Shop, Information Desk, portering volunteers and at the Seconds Count Thrift Shop.
The Friendship Gardens, Spiritual Care Program, Patient and Family Advisors and the Headwaters Health Care Centre Board of Directors and our Foundation Board of Directors are also people whose involvement in our hospital’s programs and services make us even better.
We do not know what changes will be put in place once this pandemic is over, but we know there will always be a place for volunteerism at Headwaters.
This week (and every chance you have) please take a moment to say a special heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers. Our hospital is enriched by your involvement. We miss each and every one of you and look forward to welcoming you back.