Joseph Brant Hospital 2017 Annual Report JBH Annual Report 2017 final | Page 19

634 volunteers contributed 74, 830 hours of service:

Family & Patient Services 50,002

Support Services( Clerical / Office) 2,735

Gift Shop 9,325

This year Lauren Sobot is the recipient of the Auxiliary scholarship awarded to one volunteer entering Post-Secondary education. Lauren has volunteered in both the day Surgery and Emergency Departments contributing over 380 hours of service. We wish her much success as she starts her studies in Science at St. Francis Xavier University. Congratulations!

I am writing you to commend your volunteer Marie. On the night of January 10th I came to the emergency department at Joseph Brant Hospital to seek help for acute sciatic pain. As well as the physical pain I was enduring I was also suffering from emotional pain since I had just laid my father to rest earlier that day. A beautiful young lady who was a volunteer recognized my pain and asked if there was anything she could do for me. The emergency department waiting room was fringed that night since it was very cold outside and every time the main doors opened a blast of cold air swept into the waiting area. She offered me a warm blanket which I happily accepted. When she saw that I could not walk she offered me a wheel chair and then a glass of water. Not only did she try her best to make me feel comfortable she also sat with me. I told her that I just lost my father and she shared with me that she had also lost her father at the age of four.

I wanted to learn more about this lovely young lady and she spoke to me about her life and hopes and dreams. Having raised three wonderful daughters

myself I was so impressed with Marie and the woman that raised her. She was every mothers dream. Chatting with her helped me cope with my pain. I asked her what time her shift was over and she explained that she was volunteering until 8:30 and had arranged a ride home at 8:45. At one point I looked at the clock and it was just after 9 pm. I asked her if her ride was late and she explained that her ride was on time but she had asked her ride to wait so she could care for me. I couldn’ t believe it. Where did the beautiful person come from? I felt as though my father had sent an angel to me to help me in my time of pain and sorrow. I am writing you to share this story about Marie and the genuine compassion that she felt for a person in need. It’ s not every day that you meet a person like this. If there were more people like Marie the world would be a much brighter place. Please pass my heartfelt thanks to her and her mother for a job well done. You should all be so proud that your wonderful volunteer Marie is representing Joseph Brant Hospital. God bless her. – Toni Tiraborelli

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