Hear from our volunteers
"At six years old I was diagnosed with diabetes, and since then I have received assistance and support from doctors and nurses. Now I want to help other people who are sick and also help the medical caregivers." – Rebecca Menzies
"Each day we seem to travel at an accelerated pace. The weeks drift by in a frenzy of activity. It is easy to forget what is really important in our lives. When we or someone we care about is struck by ill heath suddenly our world becomes small. In an instant life can change. Whether it is grief, pain, or loss of independence, the uncertainty of the future can be all-consuming. My job as a volunteer is a simple one but incredibly rewarding. One patient once called me "Nancy with the smiling eyes". It was the loveliest compliment I have ever received. It is a gift to be allowed a moment in someone’s life when they are so vulnerable." - Nancy Berkhout
"I like meeting all the really caring people at the hospital. They are amazing people and it's nice when a patient wants me to sit and talk with them. I like to see that I have made a person feel a little happier. ~ Anthony
Volunteering is a way of giving something back to the community and in a small way help to keep it a wonderful place to live. Volunteering at St.Catharines General Hospital is especially rewarding because it is a chance to touch the lives of many people. I have learned a great deal on the "job", and feel I get at least as much from the experience as I give. Whether it is giving information, handing out parking tokens, or sitting home knitting for the gift shop, it is a great feeling to know I am not "past it" just because I am retired. - Anne Martin
20 years ago I came as a rookie to do my bit for the local hospital. I became interested in doing more and more, and eventually became the Volunteer Vibes Editor, next the Auxiliary Treasurer - these were the good times. Interest rates were high, and we were happy to generate large sums of money for essential equipment, we accumulated a million dollars which was turned over at that time
Eventually I became President, this was the highlight, as I discovered the astounding help generated by Volunteers throughout the hospital. I quote Maurice T. Callaghan, "If you can dream it, you can do it.- Find the Diamonds not the Stones". Well I certainly found the Diamonds in hospital Volunteers. - Irene Crumpler