Volunteers are an incredible support to Northern Health facilities, providing invaluable assistance and comfort to patients, residents, and staff alike. Their dedication and compassion create a welcoming and secure environment, fostering a sense of community and normalcy.
Through heartfelt testimonials, staff members share their gratitude and highlight the profound impact volunteers have on daily operations and the well-being of everyone they touch. From wayfinding to specialized programs like the Volunteer Cuddling program, these selfless individuals truly embody the Northern way of caring.
“I truly believe having volunteers at the info desk has not only brought comfort to our patients, but also played a crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
The public and patients are extremely comfortable seeking help because they feel a connection to volunteers. Thank you for being our trusted eyes and ears.”
-- Palvinder Binda, Coordinator, Relational Security Operations, UHNBC, Prince George
“I believe volunteers help make Peace Villa feel more like a community. With so many age groups interacting with our residents, they bring a type of normality to everyday life back when their children went to school.”
--Jennifer MacPhee, Program Coordinator, Peace Villa, Fort St. John
“Our volunteers at Rotary Manor are PRICELESS! The difference they make in our programs are never underestimated. They positively impact our residents’ lives and relieve stress on our staff. This group of volunteers are so thoughtful, hardworking, and compassionate. Whenever we need a hand, they go the extra mile! They bring joy and happiness and special moments that warm the heart! Honestly, our facility is a better place because we have such great volunteers – we couldn’t do what we do without them!”
-- Marcia Day, Program Coordinator, Rotary Manor, Dawson Creek
“The Volunteer Cuddling program has been a wonderful addition back to our unit. It’s one of those ‘you don't know what you've got until it's gone’ scenarios. Now that volunteers are back in the unit, all our NICU babies have the opportunity to receive optimal human connection and love, while allowing families to share in some of the caregiver responsibility. Having the volunteers takes pressure off parents who maybe feel they can't leave or get a break while staying in hospital. It really is a great way to help caregivers practice self-care while in the NICU so they can be their best selves for their babies. The volunteers have also been a great asset to the nursing staff. As a nurse, not having time to comfort a baby who needs consoling because there are other, sicker little ones to care for is such a stressful situation to be in. Knowing there are volunteers coming to help in these scenarios has definitely helped improve the overall post-pandemic morale of the unit.”
-- Lauren Apps, Clinical Nurse Educator, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), UHNBC, Prince George
Thank you to our volunteers for their continuous generosity and commitment!
If you'd like to find out more about volunteering at NH, email volunteers@northernhealth.ca or apply at nhvolunteer.ca.
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