This National Volunteer Week, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) shone a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. This year’s theme, “Volunteers Make Waves,” underscored the power, impact, and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across the country. Just like a wave, volunteering is about building movements and creating positive change.
Meet Cathleen Simpson, an exceptional volunteer at Centenary Hospital who has dedicated her time at the information desk for the past eight years.
Cathleen’s primary responsibilities include guiding patients to their appointments, managing wheelchairs, and addressing any questions they may have. In addition to these duties, Cathleen also trains new volunteers and conducts hospital tours for new student volunteers, ensuring they feel welcomed and well-prepared for their roles.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start volunteering?
A: I moved to Scarborough in 1978 and have been a resident here ever since. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like movies and sports, mainly hockey. My children and grandchildren were all born at Centenary, and I have also been a patient here. When I was discharged, I started thinking about how I could give back to the community. It was then that I decided to become a volunteer.
Q: How do you see your volunteer efforts creating ripples of positive change within the community?
A: Treating patients with empathy and compassion is contagious amongst the new volunteers and student volunteers, as they follow my lead. I’ve noticed that this helps create a positive atmosphere and experience for all of our patients coming into the hospital regardless of who is sitting at the front desk.
Q: What has been the most rewarding experience for you since you started volunteering?
A: Many of my rewarding experiences revolve around patient interactions. I enjoy talking with patients and listening to their stories, which is especially rewarding when those interactions are remembered. The best thing is when patients return and they stop to say hello to me and ask how I’m doing. Even if our interaction may have been just a short moment in their day, it’s amazing to know I’ve had an impact on their overall experience at the hospital.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time volunteering that highlights the impact of your work?
A: One of the most memorable moments that I had was an encounter with an elderly woman who came in. She was telling me a story about her life and how she was battling cancer. She told me about her significant health challenges, and shared that her faith helped to give her strength. She was a very inspirational woman and I will never forget her. I saw her a few times after that, and I always made sure to acknowledge her when she came by. She would always smile and give me a knowing wink.
Q: What skills or personal qualities do you think are important for a volunteer to have?
A: Patients can sometimes be challenging, and treating them respectfully is so important. Patience, compassion, kindness, empathy, and a smile can go a long way.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Scarborough?
A: I love Scarborough because of its diversity, all of the outdoor space, and how beautiful the environment can be. You can see some incredible wildlife out here in this community.
Meet Ayesha Abid, an extraordinary volunteer at General Hospital who has been volunteering for two years. Ayesha works at the information desk and in the volunteer office.
When Ayesha is at the information desk, she assists patients in finding their way to appointments and navigating the hospital. In the Volunteer Office, she provides support to fellow volunteers. Ayesha is also one of the leaders of the Social and Events Planning Committee, where she plays a key role in organizing events and activities that foster a sense of community among volunteers.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start volunteering?
A: I have always been passionate about helping people feel cared for and supported. Volunteering at SHN has shown me how meaningful that can be. As a recent graduate pursuing a career as a registered dietitian, I was looking to gain experience in a healthcare setting. This role has helped me learn so much while providing me with the opportunity to give back to my community.
Q: How do you see your volunteer efforts creating ripples of positive change within the community?
A: Even the smallest acts—like giving directions, walking with someone, or simply being present—can make a huge difference. Hospitals can be overwhelming, especially for those visiting for the first time. Many of us have experienced the stress of navigating unfamiliar spaces, and in those moments, a kind and supportive presence can offer real comfort. My goal as a volunteer is to be someone who helps others feel at ease. When someone feels supported, it gives them a sense of reassurance they carry forward.
Q: What has been the most rewarding experience for you since you started volunteering?
A: There have been so many rewarding moments, but it’s especially meaningful when someone says, “Thank you,” or when they visibly relax and smile after a stressful situation. Those small moments remind me that just being there for someone can have a lasting impact.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time volunteering that highlights the impact of your work?
A: One moment that really stayed with me was during my third shift, when a patient approached the information desk in a panic. She was overwhelmed, an hour late for her appointment, and it was her first time at the hospital. She was in tears, and my first instinct was to reassure her and let her know things would be okay. I walked with her all the way to the department, and as we walked, she opened up about how stressful her day had been. When the doctor confirmed they would still see her, she finally smiled and said, “Thank you. I don’t think I could’ve done that alone.” That experience reminded me how powerful it is to simply be present for someone when they need it most.
Q: What skills or personal qualities do you think are important for a volunteer to have?
A: I think empathy and patience are really important. Being able to listen without rushing someone and offering comfort can make a big difference. As volunteers, I think it’s important to help in any way we can, even if it’s small. But most importantly, it comes down to genuinely caring about people.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Scarborough?
A: What I love most about Scarborough is its diversity. It’s a place where many cultures, languages, and stories come together, making it feel like home. People look out for one another, and there’s a deep sense of community here. Whether I’m at the hospital or walking through the neighbourhood, there’s a warmth and kindness here that means a lot to me.
Meet Margaret and Barb, a dynamic duo volunteering in Birchmount Hospital’s emergency department (ED). Margaret has been volunteering for 30 years, while Barb has been dedicating her time for an impressive 40 years.
Margaret and Barb play a vital role by assisting nurses with tasks such as making beds, stocking linen carts, and providing necessary supplies. Their dedication extends to helping patients by offering warm blankets, water, and food as needed. Margaret and Barb also guide patients and their families within the ED, ensuring they navigate the space comfortably.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and what inspired you to start volunteering?
A: We both live in the community and wanted to help people and support our neighbourhood hospital. Barb applied to volunteer when Scarborough Grace Hospital—now Birchmount—first opened, and has been here every since!
Q: How do you see your volunteer efforts creating ripples of positive change within the community?
A: By being a visible presence in the hospital, we hope to inspire others to consider how they can make a contribution as well. We have had many people ask us about volunteering and express interest.
Q: What has been the most rewarding experience for you two since you started volunteering?
A: We feel the rewards come from knowing that we are helping members of the community when they are unwell and needing support, as well as assisting our incredible staff. The Birchmount ED staff always make us feel appreciated and a part of their team.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time volunteering that highlights the impact of your work?
A: Barb can remember a time when she received a lovely letter of thanks through the chaplains’ office from a family she helped during their hospital stay.
Q: What skills or personal qualities do you think are important for a volunteer to have?
A: We think the most important qualities in a volunteer are to be caring and compassionate, while also being patient and understanding of peoples’ needs.
Q: What is your favourite thing about Scarborough?
A: We have both lived in Scarborough for many decades and have enjoyed being a part of the growth and development of this wonderful, diverse community.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible efforts of volunteers who make a difference in our community every day. Their efforts enhance the lives of everyone they touch and strengthen our health network.