Volunteers are the backbone of community
By Contributor
Interior Health joins Volunteer Canada to mark National Volunteer Week April 15 – 21, paying tribute to the thousands of volunteers who graciously donate their time and energy to support our patients, clients and residents.
“Volunteers complement the care provided by our professionals,” says Norman Embree, Interior Health Board Chair. “It is a great way to gain new experience, meet new people, and make a real difference in your community. The health care setting truly allows volunteers to have an impact on people’s lives.”
Events are being held this month to say “thank you” to the many vital volunteers throughout the organization.
“We sincerely want to acknowledge our volunteers, including the many Auxiliaries that work so hard on behalf of patients,” says Interior Health CEO Dr. Robert Halpenny. “They contribute through vital fundraising, giving directions, visiting with dialysis patients, offering wigs and scarves to cancer patients, and countless other ways each day. Our volunteers are the definition of caring and compassion.”
National Volunteer Week is Canada’s largest celebration of volunteers, volunteerism, and civic participation. It deserves to be recognized – across Canada 13.3 million volunteers contribute 2.1 billion total hours.
Interior Health is continually recruiting these special individuals to fill important roles in our hospitals and health centres, residential care facilities, in public health related roles, and in our communities. Visit www.interiorhealth.ca for volunteer opportunities in your area.
Visit Volunteer Canada, the National voice for volunteerism, at www.nationalvolunteerweek.ca to learn more about the difference volunteers make each day, and how you can recognize their efforts during national Volunteer Week. There are online videos, posters, e-cards and other resources available to let volunteers know how much their work is appreciated.
