Volunteers make a lasting impact and we want to recognize and thank the many volunteers at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre for their awe-inspiring acts of kindness.
While some volunteer activities and the number of volunteers on-site had to be reduced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, over 300 volunteers supported both BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre. These volunteers found ways to safely provide support while following COVID-19 guidelines so that they could continue to contribute to our many volunteer programs, including: two off-campus thrift stores, two gift shops, helping patients and families navigate their way through our large campus, dog therapy, holiday programs, research and our family support and resource centres.
Even with the pandemic having to close our thrift shops for two months, volunteer contributions by hours increased in 2020. The
BC Women’s Patient Experience team worked magic this past year, shifting to virtual support where they could.
The Value of One, The Power of Many, is the 2021 theme for National Volunteer Week. We are lucky to work with more volunteers than we can individually celebrate and are grateful for everything they do.
“We can see how grateful families are for your support – having someone who’s stepped up to help them clearly means a lot. Your presence brightens up BC Women’s Hospital so much and we’re so glad you’re here” – Maryam & Lillian, Site Screeners**Staff at hospital entrances who screen patients, families and visitors for COVID-19 symptoms and provide medical masks
“I am so grateful to our incredible Family Support and Resource Centre (FSRC) volunteers, Lis and Kristina. Since our physical space closed in March 2020, they have worked tirelessly to support families looking for health information by mail, processing nearly 900 loans between them. They also liaise with our clients, ensuring that people receive the information they need in a timely way. Their dedication, energy and kindness continue to make the FSRC a trusted support for the families we serve. Thank you both.” – Pamela, Health Literacy Info Specialist
