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Our volunteers provide an array of important services, from designing new technology to inspiring the next generation of health-care workers. Whatever their role, all of our volunteers are working to enhance quality of care for patients and their families. In honour of this year’s National Volunteer Week, we’re spotlighting some of our volunteers who have given us the invaluable gift of their time and dedication.

Bao-Anh Vuong has been volunteering with The Ottawa Hospital since high school. Now, 10 years later, she is a nurse at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and part of a team of experienced volunteers who recruit and onboard new volunteers.

“I enjoy recruiting new volunteers who remind me of myself back when I was a nursing student,” she says. “I want to help give them experience and help them pursue their dreams.”

What does Bao-Anh look for in a volunteer? “I like to see that one of their main values is wanting to help others, wanting to give back to their community.”

Before the pandemic, volunteer interviews and onboarding were conducted in person at the hospital, but the new virtual process has empowered Bao-Anh and her team to reach more applicants. The hospital has also been able to recruit volunteers from outside Ottawa—and even outside Canada.

“Someone in the U.S. would like to volunteer to play music to patients from his home,” she explains. “I think it’s interesting that we’re able to reach people like that.”

For Bao-Anh, the most rewarding part about her role is seeing where these volunteers have ended up. “I’ve met so many future doctors. It’s rewarding to see that I’ve been part of the journey of their successful careers.”

Feeling inspired?

We are re-building our volunteer services slowly and will open a few opportunities every few months, so please check the website regularly for updates. We look forward to welcoming our community back into the hospital to help improve the patient experience! Visit our volunteer page for more information.

Meet more of our inspiring volunteers

• Med school hopeful Anne-Marie helps patients navigate hospital COVID protocols
• Claude serves coffee and companionship at the Rehabilitation Centre
• Joanna helps guide chemotherapy patients through uncertain times
• Jocelyn inspires the next generation of health-care workers through virtual co-op program
• ‘I got discharged, and I never really left’: Former patient Maxime volunteers his coding skills

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