I began volunteering at The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre (TGHC) in February 2018 on the Complex Continuing Care floor. My initial goal was to gain more experience with patients and being in a hospital setting. Over the past year and a half however, I have gained something far greater. From reading with patients, to listening to their life stories, I have been able to connect with patients on an emotional level and gain a true understanding of what it means to be compassionate. I have learned how a simple friendly smile can go a long way and that supporting patients, whether it is emotionally or physically, can truly mean a lot to them.
A memorable moment I had while volunteering on the 4th floor was when I assisted a patient with her laptop. After helping her navigate her laptop and change around some of the settings, she was so appreciative that it brought tears to her eyes. It made me realize how the simplest things to me can be extraordinarily meaningful to others.
At the start of 2019, I transferred to the Recreation Therapy Program. Although I was hesitant at first to volunteer in an area that I didn’t have much experience with, I was also excited to be able to support a different program at the Grace. Assisting with the “Sit and Dance” program each week has allowed me to really appreciate TGHC and all of the additional resources it has available for patients. It has been a rewarding experience to be able to see the improvement in patients after they have been regularly participating in the “Sit and Dance” program. Seeing the smiles on their faces each week when they’re dancing and singing along to the music is such a heart-warming experience that I am grateful to be a part of. Each week is filled with unique patient interactions, and I always leave with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Toronto Grace provides many amazing programs and resources for patients, and I am truly appreciative for the opportunity it has provided me.
Chrissala Barliakos
Recreation Therapy Volunteer