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 the 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.

The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre assists patients who have experienced a disabling physical illness or injury, helping them maximize their independence and rebuild their lives. Retiree Claude Bédard volunteers with the Centre, visiting patients in their rooms and providing companionship during their road to recovery.

“I find it interesting to just chat with them,” says Claude. “They have such resolve and are so strong and so determined that they’re going to adapt to their new lives.”

For years, Claude would take patients out to Tim Hortons or Second Cup just to get them out of their rooms. With these coffee outings helping patients socialize, Claude got the idea to bring the communal atmosphere of a coffee house to the Rehabilitation Centre. After partnering with the Centre’s recreation department, Claude and a few other volunteers began hosting a coffee club, serving coffee and good conversation to patients twice a week.

“Some people are in the Centre for a while, so this is a great way to get them to socialize.”

Claude wishes that he made time to volunteer during his working years because he finds deep joy in providing companionship to those in need. “A volunteer coordinator once put it into words for me, ‘If I can get a smile of out somebody who’s having a real rough time, that’s my paycheck.’”

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
• A busy nursing schedule hasn’t stopped Bao-Anh from volunteering
• 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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