Volunteer Voices
Carol Chaulk
A year or so ago I decided to sign up for the Basic Hospice course, which was being given at our local Hospital by Fraser Canyon Hospice Society. My husband had completed the course the prior year and highly recommended it to me.
If I were to be totally honest, I wasn't sure if I had any talents that would be suited to the Volunteer work available on completion of the course...but upon applying, I did notice that there was a need for "walkers" and I felt that at least I could contribute in that capacity. And so my journey began!
The very first meeting was an introduction to other like-minded people, who also were there to understand the different areas where help was needed, and thus began a 30 hour training course; this literally has added a new dimension to my life!
It was established immediately that anyone in the course could talk about any and all concerns; with the knowledge that all information given was completely confidential within the group and thus a very safe place to "share". We soon became like a big "family"..... feeling comfortable with each other.
To be honest, I was sad when the course ended and a little apprehensive as to where I could help! However I should not have worried! Hospice has volunteers who have been giving of themselves and their time for many years and who are so willing to assist and guide the newcomers!
During the past year it has been my privilege to "test the waters" in a variety of different areas-, this has included companioning, sitting at vigils, a Bereavement Support Group, Walking Group, and Fundraising, learning and giving with the help of such an amazing team! I feel so grateful for the chance to "give back" and to be in the company of so many like-minded Hospice members. Carol Chaulk – a volunteer for Fraser Canyon Hospice Society
For more information to express an interest as a Hospice Volunteer please contact Hospice Coordinator Mary Norman - Monday to Thursday, Ph. 604-860-7713 or email. mary.norman@fraserhealth.ca
A year or so ago I decided to sign up for the Basic Hospice course, which was being given at our local Hospital by Fraser Canyon Hospice Society. My husband had completed the course the prior year and highly recommended it to me.
If I were to be totally honest, I wasn't sure if I had any talents that would be suited to the Volunteer work available on completion of the course...but upon applying, I did notice that there was a need for "walkers" and I felt that at least I could contribute in that capacity. And so my journey began!
The very first meeting was an introduction to other like-minded people, who also were there to understand the different areas where help was needed, and thus began a 30 hour training course; this literally has added a new dimension to my life!
It was established immediately that anyone in the course could talk about any and all concerns; with the knowledge that all information given was completely confidential within the group and thus a very safe place to "share". We soon became like a big "family"..... feeling comfortable with each other.
To be honest, I was sad when the course ended and a little apprehensive as to where I could help! However I should not have worried! Hospice has volunteers who have been giving of themselves and their time for many years and who are so willing to assist and guide the newcomers!
During the past year it has been my privilege to "test the waters" in a variety of different areas-, this has included companioning, sitting at vigils, a Bereavement Support Group, Walking Group, and Fundraising, learning and giving with the help of such an amazing team! I feel so grateful for the chance to "give back" and to be in the company of so many like-minded Hospice members. Carol Chaulk – a volunteer for Fraser Canyon Hospice Society
For more information to express an interest as a Hospice Volunteer please contact Hospice Coordinator Mary Norman - Monday to Thursday, Ph. 604-860-7713 or email. mary.norman@fraserhealth.ca
Sandy Acton
The week of April 22nd to 27th marks National Volunteer Week, celebrating the countless volunteers in our country who generously donate their time and talents to bettering their communities and ask for nothing in return. Here, at Fraser Canyon Hospice Society, we are fortunate to have an exceptional team of volunteers who support our clients, raise funds for our programs, advocate for hospice palliative care, and go above and beyond for the good of others.
Sandy Acton (above) has volunteered with our Society since 2010, supporting our clients and their families. She is also an avid supporter of our fundraising events, always works with professionalism, is eager to learn and update her skills, offers her experience in trauma and is incredibly reliable.
In presenting during our previous Volunteer Training Course Sandy says, “It is an honour to work with such a caring group of volunteers. The opportunity to give back to our community by offering emotional support to clients during extremely difficult and, at times, a sudden traumatic event is a gift I once received and am now in a position to pay it forward.”
When offering emotional support Sandy follows advice from the book Four agreements. They are:
· Be impeccable with your word
· Don’t take anything personally
· Don’t make assumptions
· Always do your best
Thank you, Sandy, for leading by example!
In presenting during our previous Volunteer Training Course Sandy says, “It is an honour to work with such a caring group of volunteers. The opportunity to give back to our community by offering emotional support to clients during extremely difficult and, at times, a sudden traumatic event is a gift I once received and am now in a position to pay it forward.”
When offering emotional support Sandy follows advice from the book Four agreements. They are:
· Be impeccable with your word
· Don’t take anything personally
· Don’t make assumptions
· Always do your best
Thank you, Sandy, for leading by example!
