Lindsay-area homes partner to give thanks to volunteers
Afternoon event shows gratitude to volunteer efforts
Friday May 2, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
LINDSAY, Ont. – Five Lindsay-area long-term care homes partnered for the first time to thank their volunteers for the hard work they do throughout the year to make a difference in residents’ lives.

Volunteers and staff members from Frost Manor (OMNI Health Care), Extendicare Kawartha Lakes, Caressant Care on McLaughlin Road, Caressant Care Lindsay and Victoria Manor were among the 130 guests at the gala held at Moose Lodge in Lindsay April 29.

The two-hour event — called Volunteers: The Heart of the Community — featured a lunch of sandwiches and sweets, along with entertainment provided by Toronto-based juggler and magician Dan Cole. The event is one of many being held throughout Canada as part of National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3.

Laurie Gawley, program manager at Extendicare Kawartha Lakes, says she is happy with the idea of bringing long-term care homes together under the same roof because it shows a spirit of camaraderie to the community.

“(This is) the first time all the area long-term care homes have collaboratively honoured their volunteers together,” she says. “It’s a great way to unite the community and give people a sense of belonging.”

Volunteers help long-term care homes in many ways, notes Vi O’Leary, life enrichment co-ordinator at Frost Manor. From assisting with outings, providing one-to-one programming and helping residents in their day-to-day lives, volunteers are an essential part of long-term care, she says.

A collaborative event like this helps unite volunteers so they can celebrate each others’ achievements, she adds.

“It brings people together,” says O’Leary. “You meet other volunteers and hopefully they will get a sense of belonging and see the purpose that they serve in our homes.”

The collaborative effort from the homes isn’t going unnoticed by volunteers.

Carole Hicks, who volunteers at Extendicare Kawartha Lakes, says she’s pleased with the gratitude the homes are showing their volunteers during the week. By bringing volunteers from five homes together it shows the community just how many people donate their time to help others.

“What really boggles my mind is the number of volunteers that are here from all over,” she says. “There are a lot people who put in a lot of hours and a lot of hard work.”

If you have a story to share about what your home is doing to during National Volunteer Week, please contact deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.