These volunteer stories are poignant and deeply meaningful. We have much to learn about each other. We come to the Grace for different reasons, and we grow from the Grace in different ways. We learn from patients and staff in inconceivable ways. We see new parts of ourselves that are sources of pride and individuality. We are a team of volunteers, strong as one and mighty together!
Say Hello to Lais!
Lais started volunteering at TGHC in 2023, after looking for volunteer opportunities in her community. She is currently volunteering on the Complex Continuing Care Unit, connecting with many patients, and getting to know their interests and improving their hospital stay. Lais believes that a positive volunteer experience significantly improves patient outcomes and loves this part of volunteering. One particular memory that stands out for Lais is Seated Yoga (a Recreation Therapy program) on the rooftop in the summer of ‘23.
In Lais’ own words, “The rooftop was sunny and blooming with flowers and garden herbs, planted by the patients, creating a perfect backdrop for meditating and stretching. The yoga class went by smoothly and many patients told me they loved the opportunity to spend a few minutes outside and enjoy the sunlight. I truly believe this was a highlight of their stay at TGHC last summer, just as it was of mine”.
What Lais loves about volunteering at the Grace are the many opportunities she gets to have a direct, positive impact on a patient’s day.
Thanks for all you do, Lais! Your insights and contributions are priceless.
Bits & Beats
Say Hello to Parsa!
Parsa also started volunteering at TGHC in 2023, after noticing that many of his friends were engaged as volunteers at different hospitals across Toronto.
Parsa devotes his time listening to a lot of life stories, some of which are heart-breaking and others exciting. He builds trust with patients as he listens to stories of loss and joy, loving every moment because patients are sharing with him. Even the smallest interaction with patients teaches him something and helps him connect. To Parsa, this is valuable and not taken for granted.
One of the things Parsa likes about TGHC is the staff, how great they are and how they work so hard for the patients. Volunteering in the TGHC environment motivates Parsa because everyone is working together as a team.
In Parsa’s own words, “I love every second that I am volunteering because I am interacting with and listening to people: I am there with them when they are making soup or singing a song. I am there with them. I am able to see it all and I feel good whenever I am there with them. Believe it or not, I am so excited to volunteer that I volunteered on my birthday.”
We hope you had a wonderful birthday, Parsa. Thank you for being a team player!!
There is growing evidence to suggest that volunteering can improve employability through building confidence, developing ‘soft’ skills such as teamwork and communication, advancing ‘hard’ skills such as language, IT and management, and demonstrating job readiness to potential employers.
The Institute for Volunteering Research
Say Hello to Hassaan!
Hassaan started volunteering in the Rehabilitation Program in April 2022. He was inspired to volunteer by his friends, family and neighbours who worked tirelessly as healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he wanted to contribute. In the Rehab Program, he has the privilege of assisting, connecting with and learning from patients and healthcare workers from all walks of life.
Hassaan enjoys volunteering at TGHC because he is able to observe and play a direct role in improving patients’ health and wellbeing. He feels incredibly inspired when he sees patients’ physical condition and confidence improve during walks, while climbing stairs, and other exercises. He is immensely fulfilled when helping to facilitate engagement in fun activities in Recreation Therapy, by making conversation and cracking jokes with patients.
Hassaan’s fondest memory is when he assisted a new patient, and through casual conversation, discovered that they both had a deep appreciation for the same genre of music. They excitedly discussed their favourite artists, delved into the history of the genre, and recommended albums to each other. It was heartwarming to see this patient light up with enthusiasm and joy as they bonded over their shared passion. This conversation not only made the Rehabilitation experience less isolating for the patient, but also reinforced the importance of finding common ground and connecting with the patients Hassaan assists. It reminds him that beyond their medical condition, they have unique interests and stories that deserve to be acknowledged and valued.
In Hassaan’s own words, “Volunteering at TGHC has been a rewarding experience. I hope to apply what I have learned and experienced here, not only as a future healthcare professional, but also as a more holistic and empathetic person”.
You are special and wonderful, Hassaan! Thank you for your vision and focus.
Say Hello to Risa!
Risa Rosenberg started volunteering in the summer of 2023. She spent much time participating in the Reminiscence Program offered by the Recreation Therapy department, which brightened the days of patients struggling with dementia and MCI. She adores the time she spends with Palliative patients, cooking, singing, conversing, forming friendships and expressing her care. Risa also supported the Health Records department, collecting health equity data for a multitude of patients throughout the hospital. She talked with patients on every floor of the Grace and found many of them more than happy to contribute to a health equity project. It was interesting to immerse herself in a project of interest to her. Risa also volunteers for Volunteer Resources, helping with projects and supporting volunteerism at the Grace. She is so thankful that the Grace has allowed her to spread her wings and work in many areas and with many people.
Risa and Joanna, of the Recreation Therapy department, held a Thanksgiving event for the family of a very special Palliative patient. They hosted a family of fifteen on the Irwin Roof Garden, helping to create positive and loving memories for a very special family. We saw the patient at the head of the table drink his favourite beer, we saw enough potluck dishes to feed 100 people. We saw family members run to-and-fro to heat food, hugging Joanna and I and thanking us along the way. We saw children and grandchildren, cakes, flowers, and smiles. In Risa’s own words, “It felt like family. Joanna and I worked seamlessly together, and we had fun. Working with Joanna brought out a deepness in the volunteer experience for me and a remembrance of the joy in giving that enlivened and warmed me. Volunteering can be profound”.
There was one patient that took part in the Reminiscence program that is etched in Risa’s memory. At the start, this patient was a bit cantankerous, but over time, his mood lifted. One day was full of song. We sang Bob Marely with abandon; it was a freedom and joy that only singing can bring. In Risa’s words, “He gave me a gift that day. We sang about ‘three little birds’, we sang Bob Marley’s lyrics and tunes. I knew the song was special to him and it was also special to me. I love to sing and I love when voices come together. His voice had a deep and smooth resonance. Joanna sang and the nurse was smiling from the neighbouring bed. Singing with this patient was fantastic. He passed days later, and I was comforted that he was singing only days earlier. “
Risa, your impactful contributions have reached far and wide!
Say Hello to Nadine!
Nadine Lavoie’s love and admiration for the Grace Hospital started right after watching our amazing palliative care documentary “Dying at the Grace.” She already knew that she had a passion for being with people on their end-of-life journey and a belief that everyone should feel loved, not die alone, and see a smile before their last breath. After seeing Grace Hospital’s similar passion and open heart on the topic, she immediately began my application process to join the Palliative Volunteer Team.
To this day, what she loves the most about volunteering in the Palliative Care Unit, along with being part of a great team, is the privilege of being part of someone’s very special moment in life. She likes to consider herself a Special Flight Attendant, ensuring the preparation for the travel will be pleasant, serene, comfortable and loving. She thinks this is her perfect metaphor.
Nadine provides companionship, music, an ear to listen to, a delicious fresh glass of water, or a comforting warm blanket. She runs an errand, gets special body lotion, a Tim Hortons coffee, helps to set and/or assist with their meals, or anything that brings them care and a smile. She gets to meet and connect with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Or sometimes she follows them lovingly wherever their imagination, mind or story takes them.
In Nadine’s own words, “It’s all about creating a warm and loving experience. It is a beautiful moment for them, which becomes a beautiful memory for me as a volunteer. The privilege of being of service to another. The privilege to love unconditionally with the Grace…”
Your open heart and willingness to be there for others is so special, Nadine. Thank you for being part of the Grace family.
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
Lao Tzu
Volunteer Programs: The Art Program at the Grace
Say Hello to Kelly!
Kelly began volunteering with TGHC as an “Arts at the Grace” volunteer in the summer of 2023. She has a background in health care and a lifelong interest in art.
Since leaving front-line health care as an Occupational therapist, Kelly has spent the last several years facilitating experiences with art and creativity, making it accessible to varied populations. Having worked in hospital and community settings in the past, she now enjoys working with people in new and non-clinical ways.
Kelly primarily visits people on the third floor, many of whom require mechanical ventilators and are thus largely confined to their rooms and often their beds. She sees her role as setting the conditions and providing opportunities for positive experiences creating and making art – for those who have enjoyed and/or appreciated art in the past, those who haven’t had opportunities to “play” and experiment with art, and those who may not think of themselves as artists at all.
The finished art pieces are not as important as each person’s engagement with the process. Nevertheless, the images created are typically beautiful! Some of the works produced adorn patient windows, windowsills, and walls, some are in the process of being framed and some have been given away as gifts. When shared with others, patients receive positive feedback on their creations.
In Kelly’s own words, “Being creative, making art and exploring new areas of possible interest, allows us to connect with ourselves, others and our circumstances in new ways. Some of us may require different levels of support to embody this at different points in our lives and sometimes we just need an invitation to play and explore. We are all artists!”
Thank you for your helping hands and creative mind, Kelly. You bring special talents to TGHC.
Pet Therapy at the Grace
Have you seen dogs in the hospital halls? One Health Partners have formed a special partnership with the Grace that brings therapy dogs to visit with patients, staff, volunteers, family and friends!
With hearts of gold and fur to match, furry friends spread their unconditional love and joy, and lower blood pressure at the same time. Therapy dogs lift moods, brighten spirits, form special relationships and make a world of difference to everyone around them.
Pet therapy at the Grace with OHP Therapy Dogs deploys the therapeutic benefits of human-animal interaction to enhance the health and the well-being of our community. These very special dogs are a source of comfort and peace. We love everything about our Pet Therapy program.
Have you ever thought of training your dog to become a therapy dog? Perhaps your dog might be suitable for participating in the Grace Pet Therapy program. If you’d like to find out more, please email One Health Partners at info@onehealthpartners and mention that you are a volunteer at TGHC! Dogs should be calm and love interacting with friendly strangers.
The Music Program at the Grace
Talented volunteers bring the gift of live music to the patients and staff at the Grace. Their diverse talents and commitments make them an integral part of the Grace. Their amazing performances, at times featuring flute, piano, guitars and captivating vocals, fill the hallways with excitement, joy and music. This is an opportunity for us to witness the wide community of volunteers around us and deepen our appreciation of each other for the vast talents we offer.
