In January in 2019, I started volunteering in the Volunteer Resources Department at The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre (TGHC). As an Human Resources (HR) student, I was looking to see what I was learning in action. Every day I am grateful for this learning opportunity and continue to grow from it. Volunteering not only gave me experience, but it also gave me understanding of the importance of volunteers in our hospital.
As a Volunteer Resources Program Assistant, my role is centered on the volunteers. I assist with volunteer reference checks, orientations, recognition and other special events around the hospital. During the reference checks, I hear wonderful stories about our volunteers and I wholeheartedly believe the volunteers we have perfectly align with the hospital’s mission, vision and values. I know they can certainly bring a positive change to the hospital, especially to the lives of the patients. I am so grateful to be able to meet the volunteers I’ve heard so positively about in-person during the orientation sessions.
Recently, we had our annual Volunteer Holiday Party. I was fortunate
enough to be able to work with Rima in planning and carrying out the event. There were many volunteers who came to the event, many of which I’ve met during orientation sessions. I found it very heartwarming when everyone gathered around the same table, even though it was a little tight and there was an empty one available. We were all sharing smiles, talking and learning more about one other. While helping out with the games, I couldn’t stop smiling because everyone was watching, laughing and cheering on the players. It was very satisfying to see the event come together which only makes me want to do more for our volunteers in order to show them how much they are appreciated.
Hamdi Abraham
Volunteer Resources Assistant Volunteer