During National Volunteer Week from April 18 to 24, Niagara Health is sending its gratitude to our more than 700 volunteers for their dedication to providing patients and families with extraordinary care.

Although they are not currently able provide in-person support due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Niagara Health volunteers continue to find new ways to share their skills, abilities, experience and talent.

“Volunteers provide invaluable support across our sites,” said Tracey-Dawn Giovannone, Manager, Recruitment and Volunteer Services. “We recognize all our volunteers past and present and their contributions to Niagara Health, and look forward to welcoming them back when the time is right.”

In February, an idea to provide patients with adult clothing protectors was quickly embraced by a group of eager volunteers.

Fashioned from old dress shirts to be worn overtop of clothing to prevent spills during mealtime, these protectors would help support a sense of dignity and autonomy. So far, more than 45 adult clothing protectors have been completed.

One of the first volunteers to get involved, Joanne Schiebel, has been volunteering at Niagara Health since 2013 and has logged more than 1,100 hours at the St. Catharines Site Welcome Desk.

“Volunteering at home during the pandemic by sewing adult clothing protectors, I see firsthand the difference we can make,” said Joanne. “Sewing from home during the pandemic is healing for me and it also helps the staff and patients. It feels good knowing that we helped someone in some small way.”

Volunteers play an integral role at NH, volunteering in a number of departments, including Cardiac Rehab, Critical Care, Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, Mental Health, Outpatient Clinics, Palliative Care, Surgical Services, Walker Family Cancer Centre and Women and Babies.

To learn more about our volunteers, please visit our Volunteer Resources page.