HOSPICE ORILLIA CELEBRATES DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS
Orillia, ON | From April 19 to 25, Volunteer Canada and Hospice Orillia celebrate Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers during National Volunteer Week (NVW).
At Hospice Orillia, volunteers have the opportunity to foster genuine connections with community members and are able to truly be there for those who are at a very vulnerable point in their lives. By supporting others during what can be a very emotional and confusing time, Hospice Orillia becomes a major part of the client’s hospice palliative care team. In addition, the team also helps to guide people through the process of dealing with loss. Together, we can have open conversations about life and death, and assist others through their grief, bereavement and mourning.
In a year that was full of uncertainty our volunteers stepped up and welcomed all training offered in order to ensure that we were able to continue to support our clients in one way or another. Whether it was learning how to host group sessions online, the importance of personal protective gear or how to provide bereavement support over the phone; our volunteers didn’t shy away from challenges that came their way.
During the past year our volunteers provided 301 hours of service, helped to facilitate 872 virtual visits and 79 in home visits; all to help those in need. For this, and everything they do for our community on a daily basis, we are forever grateful for each and every one of our volunteers.
While we would traditionally celebrate the National Volunteer Week in person with our volunteers, this year we will celebrate once we can safely get together as a group.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please visit www.hospiceorillia.ca or call Megan Lowrie, Program Assistant at (705) 325-0505 ext. 108.