WRH Volunteers Ramping Back Up
11-9-2023
Things are getting back to normal at Windsor Regional Hospital when it comes to our roster of selfless volunteers.
With the majority of COVID-19 restrictions now lifted, many volunteers have returned to our campuses with a mission to provide support, comfort and assistance to our patients, families and staff.
More than 300 volunteers contribute hours each month serving many departments across the hospital and we're more than happy to have them back!
Below are the stories of a few of the more unique volunteers we see here at Windsor Regional Hospital:
|
Musicians Mackenzie Beltran and Alex Agostinis have been playing music together for the past year and stop in at WRH once a week to perform fun, upbeat songs like 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' and 'I Want to Dance With Somebody' - sometimes even covering Disney songs as well!
How does it feel to be back volunteering?
"We started volunteering together a month ago and it has become one of our favourite parts of our week. There is so much joy in spreading smiles through music. Interacting with the patients brightens our day."
Why do you volunteer at WRH?
"We volunteer singing at WRH because we hope to bring the joy of music to the patients at the hospital. The reason we volunteer is because we are hoping it will take their minds off the stress in their lives while they are struggling through illness."
What's the best part of volunteering at WRH?
"The best part of volunteering at WRH is seeing the smiling faces of the patients as we perform our songs. We love when they recognize the songs and join in with us. One time, we performed 'Summer of 69' by Bryan Adams and the whole room of patients started singing along with us. They were clapping and tapping their feet and it was so much fun."
|
|
Volunteer Jim Harris has been bringing his dogs to WRH for nearly 20 years providing pet therapy for patients of all ages - and staff as well! Hospital staff look forward to Jim's arrival and often have treats stashed away for his 10-year-old sheltie Joey.
How does it feel to be back volunteering?
"It's kind of like coming back home. I'm comforted by just being able to come back here. It's brings me joy and seeing the reactions of the kids as a result of bringing a pup into their hospital room. Hopefully COVID is behind us. I was at the point where I was wondering if we'd ever be able to come back again. Lo and behold, things have turned out great and we're back. It has been a big part of our lives."
Why do you volunteer at WRH?
"There's no question the effect Joey has on the kids is a positive one. It just lets the kids relax for a couple of minutes when they're dealing with what they're dealing with. It just takes their mind off it, and gives them a bit of a break. It gives me a break too to watch what's going on. I get total satisfaction from it. I need to say, the hospital staff, they enjoy the contact as well. It's a nice break for them too from their daily routine - and Joey gets so many treats he doesn't want to leave."
What's the best part of volunteering at WRH?
"Satisfaction. Having done something that's free, but has such a big impact. Nothing beats it. And the staff at WRH are pretty wonderful. A lot of the joy that I experience is because of them. The way they welcome me, help and guide me. Thank you so much to them."
|
|
Gloria McLeod is one of WRH's newest volunteers sharing the practice of yoga on our mental health units once a week. She is currently pursuing funding to hire more yoga teachers with an ultimate goal of bringing yoga to our mental health patients every day of the week. Gloria believes a daily yoga session is the key to sound mind and body.
How does it feel to be back volunteering?
"This is my first time volunteering at WRH. I wasn't here before the COVID pandemic. I wanted to start volunteering here because the doctors, nurses and my mother brought me into the world here in 1964. Also, my father passed away in this hospital 15 years ago. So I have a special connection to WRH."
Why do you volunteer at WRH?
"I volunteer because I enjoy giving back. It's very gratifying for me as I am here to be of service. I enjoy being a part of the community and making people smile. I want to make a difference in even just one person's life."
What's the best part of volunteering at WRH?
"I'm pleased to say that this practice makes the patients' day much better, much lighter. Through breath movement and physical movement, patients find relief. They find that they can quiet their minds and work on balancing the body while finding calmness. I absolutely love the patients and the kind staff. They always make me feel special and they constantly thank me for my service and tell me what a difference I'm making."
|