Headwaters Health
Care Centre celebrates the volunteer program anniversaries of its Auxiliary,
Seconds Count Thrift Shop, and Friendship Gardens. Left to right: Volunteer Gary
Shaw, Auxiliary Volunteer
Lead Nadine Walters, Auxiliary
President Mike Carter, Patient Experience Manager Juliann McArthur, Friendship
Gardens Coordinator Lynn Sinclair-Smith, Seconds Count volunteer Sophie Graham,
Vice President of Patient Experience, Health Integration and CNE Annette Jones,
and Seconds Count volunteer Stella Capogna.
During National Volunteer Week, Headwaters Health Care Centre proudly celebrates the invaluable contributions of its dedicated volunteers across multiple volunteer programs through the Auxiliary, Friendship Gardens, Spiritual Care, Patient and Family Advisory Partnership, TeleCheck and the Board of Directors. This past year, volunteers contributed over 29,200 hours. Without a doubt, these volunteer hours show unwavering commitment and service to enrich the lives of patients and staff alike. Their contribution to the Headwaters team ranges widely including providing patient companionship and enhanced support, rejuvenating the grounds with native plants and flowers, volunteering at the Seconds Count Thrift Store or Pulse Cafe and Gift Shop, or advising on hospital patient education materials.
"Our volunteers are invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for all that they do. The year 2024 marks an anniversary milestone for several volunteer programs, which is a testament to our volunteers' dedication," says Kim Delahunt, President and CEO. "I am tremendously proud of our volunteers for exemplifying our values of kindness, accountability, respect, and teamwork."
This year, Headwaters Health Care Auxiliary celebrates its 70th anniversary, which includes the 10th anniversary of its permanent revenue-generating retail operation, Seconds Count Thrift Shop, located in downtown Orangeville. Over the years, the Auxiliary has raised more than 5 million dollars for Headwaters Health Care Centre, supporting the purchase of much needed equipment and for priority projects.
In addition, Headwaters' Friendship Gardens celebrates its silver 25th silver anniversary this year. Every year, Friendship Garden volunteers contribute nearly 2,000 hours over the annual season. Headwaters Health Care Centre boasts more than 20 gardens and more than 400 native and hybrid trees throughout the grounds, which won a national Communities in Bloom award, together with the Town of Orangeville. These are all lovingly built, maintained and/or cultivated by volunteers, students and supported by individuals and local businesses who donate financially or with product and labour. Friendship Gardens has partnered with Credit Valley Conservation for many years, benefiting from their advice for soil conditions and climate changes that directly affect tree, shrub, pollinator flower selection and installation design in environmentally productive ways.
Over the years, as Headwaters' volunteer programs have expanded with more engaged teams and service offerings, more and more patients and families have experienced the positive difference volunteers make to the Headwaters patient experience. Headwaters volunteers also contribute their time and talents to the Patient and Family Advisory Partnership, Spiritual Care and TeleCheck programs and to the Board of Directors.
Annette Jones, VP of Patient Experience, Health Integration & CNE says, "Our volunteers are invaluable partners in providing exceptional patient experience. A heartfelt thank-you to every one of our volunteers for giving tirelessly of their time and energy to our patients and staff. Our volunteers are truly inspiring, passionate, and dedicated to the health of our community."