April 10 to 16 marks Canada’s 68th annual National Volunteer Week; this year’s theme is Volunteers. Passion. Action. Impact.
The passions and actions of all the volunteers throughout the Interior Health area have a positive impact on all of our communities,” says Norman Embree, Interior Health Board Chair. “Volunteers are welcomed, respected and valued members of the health care team, and we thank each of them for their compassion, dedication and enthusiasm.”
The IHA relies on its own “small army of volunteers” to augment its services, says CEO Dr. Robert Halpenny.
“They play an invaluable role in our health care system, whether in our hospitals, our residential care facilities or our outreach programs, sharing their time and energy and lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed,” he said in a statement.
Throughout National Volunteer Week, various events are being held across Interior Health to honour the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers who donate hundreds of thousands of hours every year. Their generosity creates an atmosphere of care, comfort and community whether driving people to medical appointments, delivering meals, welcoming new patients, visiting long term care residents, serving refreshments or working in a hospital gift shop.
According to the 2007 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Serving, nearly 12.5 million Canadians volunteered in 2007, but only 4% did so in a health-related environment.
Interior Health would like to boost that number by providing positive, challenging and satisfying volunteer experiences. More information about volunteer opportunities can be found at www.interiorhealth.ca. Volunteers undergo screening to ensure the highest standards for our clients, and Interior Health provides a thorough orientation program as well as interactive training, ongoing support and education.
