Meet Some Volunteers

Chris

Chris has been a volunteer with Bereavement Services for 18 years. He provides one-to-one telephone bereavement support and recently has taken on extra duties assisting at a weekly bereavement drop-in group. Chris chose to volunteer with Victoria Hospice because he recognized the valuable services it provides to the community. “It's under-funded and could always use more staff. Volunteering is one way of helping out,” he notes. "Connecting with others from the heart is a loving, caring and joyous way to live. I have met so many wonderful, caring staff, volunteers and clients.”

Chris tells us that through Hospice training and volunteer roles, he has learned valuable skills and information and met many wonderful and talented people. “I have come to understand and heal some of my own grief and loss. While volunteering, I have discovered the resourceful, resilient, creative and loving nature of each human spirit.” Staff who work with Chris tell us “he is everything we could hope for in a VHS bereavement support group volunteer…keen, caring, open-hearted and completely non-judgmental!”

What advice does Chris have to someone thinking of becoming a volunteer with Hospice? “Go for it! Volunteering at Hospice is a unique, meaningful, satisfying, practical and spiritual way to share and be of service to others. It is a great way to meet and work with talented, caring, interesting and fantastic people.”

Lori

The first time Lori came to Victoria Hospice was when her mother was a patient here. Lori remembers, “From the beginning of her three stays, I was aware of the quiet reassurance this special place brought so many people. I was constantly in awe of the dedication, compassion and respectfulness of everyone we came in contact with.”

A few years later Lori knew it was something she would like to be a part of. She has now been a volunteer for over three years. “I have a sense of belonging here,” she tells us. What keeps her here is the people, “the patients, who are constant reminders of grace and courage; the nurses and staff, that treat us as equal team members and fellow volunteers, some of whom have become friends for life”. Her colleagues echo these sentiments and report “Lori is cheerful, positive, diligent and a team player. We look forward to spending time with her every week”. Lori says that by volunteering at Hospice “I feel I am growing as a person, challenging myself more often and learning to connect with people on a different level. It is a very rewarding part of my week!”

What advice would she give someone who is thinking of becoming a volunteer with Hospice? “Go into it with an open heart and mind and be prepared for a life enriching experience!” Lori has become a valued member of the Hospice team and drawing from her own experiences, she sensitively supports patients and their families. “My Mom would be proud of the progress I’m making on the path she inadvertently started me on years ago!”

Aileen

Aileen has volunteered with Victoria Hospice for five years. She is on the organizing committee for the annual Teeny Tiny Garden Tour and also volunteers weekly at the Hospice Thrift Boutique. Aileen decided to become a Hospice volunteer after listening to the stories of people helped by Hospice. She became convinced that Hospice was a meaningful organization doing the community a great service.

Aileen tells us that she “enjoys listening to suggestions and loves looking for new ways to make Boutique customers want to return. I enjoy the volunteers and staff.” Aileen has always enjoyed interacting with people and the community in which she lives. “Volunteering is a small way to give back and to grow as a person.” Boutique staff say that Aileen is always so much fun to work with, and with her great sense of humour, “she adds a real sparkle to the place!"

What advice would Aileen give someone who is thinking of becoming a volunteer with Hospice? 1. Talk to other volunteers. 2. Make a list of your skills and interests. 3. Identify what makes you happy (e.g. meeting people, clerical tasks, creativity). She concludes by advising “the spirit of volunteering is about giving! Volunteers need to feel involved and useful not just doing their hours.”

Ready to take the next step? Learn how to apply.