Volunteer Testimonials
Volunteering Can Change a Life
Volunteering can change a life – the life of the person receiving hospice care, the family, and even the volunteer. Recently, a PAC/Emily’s House volunteer shared: “I just wanted to let you know that I am truly grateful to be a part of Philip Aziz/Emily’s House. I never imagined how much these experiences would mean to me and it really is an invaluable part of my life. It’s hard to describe what sort of impact being a volunteer here has been on me, but I firmly believe that my life is much richer for it.”
A New Volunteer Raves About Her First Shift with Emily’s House Children
“It was absolutely lovely! The house is beautiful, and the children were such a blast to hang out with! I spent the first hour getting a tour, and meeting/learning about the people. We had a dance party, and played with all the instruments, and watched Peppa Pig, and played Uno and Jenga, and then there were bath bombs and blocks. The time really just flew by so fast! A Rec Coordinator said it’s different every shift, and that as I spend more time here, I’ll start to build relationships with the kids, so I’m really looking forward to that!”
Reflection on Volunteering on Christmas Day
“On Christmas Day 2023, my interactions at Emily’s House felt so satisfying and rewarding. I held a baby in my arms, and I reflected on what Christmas really meant. I felt lucky and honoured to be holding a precious gem in my arms. As I walked out of Emily’s House, I left with a grateful heart, and I silently acknowledged what a wonderful gift I experienced.” ~ from an Emily’s House volunteer
In-Hospice Volunteers are a Huge Help to Our Clinical Care Team
Last year, we were delighted (post-pandemic) when volunteers were permitted back in the house at Emily’s House to support our children’s programming, extend recreation capacity, and to add their voices to music programming, dance parties and parades. An Emily’s House Nurse may best communicate the social/recreation value that volunteers add to our daily care: “Many of the kids in house appreciate constant interaction (walks, singing, reading), and (volunteer) Pat gave them that! Knowing that Pat was there to have fun with them allowed us to focus on our nursing tasks.”
Volunteers Valued by Caregivers at Home: Testimonial from an Emily’s House at Home Parent
“It has been so wonderful working with [our volunteer]. She has a gentle way about her, patient and kind. [Our son] adores her and it is obvious in the way he acts that he enjoys the time she spends with him. From our end, it is super helpful when she is here because while she’s being attentive to [our child] we are able to get other things done without interruption. I cannot thank you enough for enrolling us, finding a match and providing this type of support to families.”
A Client’s Adult Daughter Appreciated that her Mom had an Awesome Volunteer
“When my mom entered palliative care, her waist length hair was matted beyond repair. As I was about to begin the daunting task of trying to cut it, this amazing volunteer asked if I needed help. She spent the next hour uncomfortably bent over my mom’s bed, and painstakingly cut out the knots and mats. She was SO respectful of my mom and the trauma to her while losing her hair. She was invaluable to us both.”
A Musical Volunteer Visits with a Child
“My normal routine at Emily’s House is to strum my guitar and sing in an effort to simply entertain our children. How much they join in or appreciate differs widely. One morning I was asked to sit with a lovely young girl who was unable to hear, to see or, as far as I could ascertain, speak. Coincidentally, on the weekend prior, I had watched the Oscar winning movie CODA which, you may know, addresses the struggle of deaf parents dealing with a hearing child who wanted to be a singer. That coincidence provided me with an alternative. At the suggestion and invitation of one of the nurses, I simply placed the child’s hand on the guitar and strummed away with a variety of tempos. It was not great music, especially when she gripped the neck of the guitar to feel the strings vibrate, but those varied vibrations and rhythms held her attention for over two hours. A challenge became yet another opportunity to simply make someone happy.”
Hospice Volunteer Training is Inspirational and Highly Recommended
“The hospice volunteer training with Philip Aziz Centre and Emily’s House was a life-changing experience. I mean that literally. It inspired me to question whether I was living in a way that I will be proud of when my own life journey ends, and to make long-overdue positive changes in my life. I am deeply grateful for this experience, and would recommend Philip Aziz Centre and Emily’s House to anyone.”
A Source Of Support in a Difficult Year, for a Volunteer
“Thank you so much for your help and support. This past year has been the most unimaginably difficult year of my life, and I cannot express how much volunteering with you guys has helped me push through. I am truly grateful to be a part of the EH community.”
Please note: stories, photos, testimonials, and words are all real and shared with appropriate permissions. In some cases, the photo is not from the exact client/volunteer occasion, but is our best approximation. Where privacy is preferred, identities have been concealed, with heartfelt appreciation for the clients, volunteers, families, and staff featured here.
Volunteers are always needed. Please share with anyone who may be interested in volunteering with us: https://paceh.ca/volunteers/volunteer-information/