Posted by We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our IWK Health Centre volunteers. We are so appreciative that every year our community members continue to choose the IWK as their volunteer destination.
Our volunteers contribute their time, skills, and passion to enhance and compliment the work of paid staff, and are engaged throughout the health centre and beyond.
Whether it’s being the first point of contact for patients and families at an Information Desk, enchanting children with our model trains, helping maintain the beautiful Newman Gardens – or so many other areas, volunteers bring kindness, energy, and diverse experiences to the patients and families we serve.
We also have community members across the Maritimes who contribute their skills and time in so many creative ways – from knitting comfort dolls to making quilts to supporting with special events. We could not provide the level of comfort and care we do without them.
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we are highlighting just a few of our amazing team members.
ADNAN HAIDAR – 10 YEARS
Adnan originally came to volunteer at the IWK Health Centre at the suggestion of his sister (who was also a volunteer). For the past 10 years, he has come in twice a week and spends his time assembling colouring kits for patients and families in waiting rooms. Adnan likes delivering to the clinics and enjoys the people he works with.
Thank you Adnan for your continued support and enthusiasm!
KAYE NORRIS – 20 YEARS
Kaye has been a volunteer for 20 years with the IWK’s Escort & Delivery program – helping deliver items throughout the health centre and assisting patients where needed.
She also spends part of her shift assembling colouring kits to be distributed to families in clinics.
Kaye began volunteering with the IWK when she was invited by one of her good friends. She enjoys knowing she is contributing in some capacity, whenever and wherever help is needed. Kaye says that the IWK is a great place to volunteer! Her kind and warm personality are a great addition to our volunteer team.
ROSALEE WAMBOLT AND CHRIS SPRAGUE – 10 YEARS
Rosalee and Chris both starting volunteering with the IWK 10 years ago! As volunteers at our Gallery Information Desk, they are often the first point of contact for patients and families coming in to the health centre.
Rosalee began volunteering at the suggestion of a family member who worked here. She loves meeting people and helping patients/ families find their way. She also really enjoys seeing the smile on the little ones faces when she offers them a finger puppet!
Chris came to volunteer with us after retirement. She was looking for a way to give back to her community. She also loves the people she gets to interact with and loves being, even a small part, of their journey.
Both Rosalee and Chris would highly recommend volunteering at the IWK as it is very rewarding. Chris tells people she meets that ‘half a day a week will give your life purpose!’
Thank you Rosalee and Chris for continuing to bring smiles to the patients and families in the health centre, your contributions are invaluable.
LUCY BARRY – 15 YEARS
Lucy has been a volunteer with the IWK Health Centre for 15 years – active with both our IWK Auxiliary and our Biggs & Littles Gift Shop. After a long career as a flight attendant, a friend, who also volunteered with the health centre, suggested that Lucy apply.
After meeting with the manager of the gift shop, her decision was a no brainer!
Lucy can’t think of a better place to volunteer. She finds it very rewarding to help the kids and interact with the public as serving people has been such a big part of her life.
She encourages anyone, with a few hours to spare each week, to come join.
We thank Lucy for her contributions and look forward to many years to come!
RANDY FERGUSON AND BETH CLARKE – 20 AND 35 YEARS
Randy and Beth both volunteer with our Escort & Delivery program – Randy for 20 years and Beth for 35 years! In this role, they help deliver items throughout the health centre and assist patients where needed.
Randy came to volunteer with us because his mother was a volunteer here. They even worked together in Escort & Delivery services for a period of time. Randy enjoys helping out and spending time with his fellow volunteers. He feels it gives him something worthwhile to do.
Beth is a retired nurse and has always loved helping out in a hospital setting. She feels volunteering here is a wonderful way to serve her community.
They both agree that they enjoy being part of the IWK – it’s a great place to be.
A huge thank you to both Randy & Beth for their dedication, support, and amazing contributions!
With contributions from Kylene Mellor, Stephanie Theriault and Randi Griffin in Volunteer Resources at the IWK.