Message from the Director
As you walk the hallways of Joseph Brant
Hospital, you are sure to encounter a volunteer
or two in your travels. In fact, 718 volunteers
contributed 75,830 hours of service to our
patients, families and visitors. The beauty of
volunteer engagement at Joseph Brant Hospital
is that there is usually a volunteer service
that appeals to everyone whether it is at the
bedside, assisting in the public areas or doing
administrative tasks behind the scenes. The
Information and Escort desk alone requires 120
volunteers each week to assist those arriving
and leaving the hospital.
There is one group that deserves special
mention, our volunteer hairdressers. Over 45
years ago a hairdryer was donated and that
began the volunteer hairdressing program. The
makeshift salon was always filled with cheery
conversation that helped patients feel more
like themselves. It is now time to hang up the
curlers and scissors but we would like to say
a special thank you to these ladies who have
made such a difference in patients’ lives.
New this year is the St. John’s Ambulance Pet
Therapy Program. Starting as a pilot in March
2018, it has expanded to five therapy dogs and
handlers and visits now include Mental Health
and Intensive Care.
Fundraising and revenue generation continue
to drive the Auxiliary, raising funds to support
the redevelopment commitment of $5 million
pledge. In September, the Antiques and
Collectibles Auction celebrated 20 years of
success and is still going strong, holding this
popular event each spring and fall. Over $1
million has been raised over the years through
the dedication of our auction volunteers.
The Gift Shop has also gone through some
changes with the introduction of Ontario
Lottery & Gaming (OLG). This exciting new
addition has attracted a new demographic to
the Shop and we thank our volunteers for their
endurance in learning this new skill set.
At the Annual Recognition Event held this May,
we celebrated 89 volunteers who have reached
significant milestones, see page 27 for a listing
of their names and milestones. Their dedication
and commitment to our patients and families is
sincerely appreciated.
Thank you to each and every volunteer who
contributes their time and talents to Joseph
Brant Hospital throughout the year.
In December 2018, a baby grand piano was
generously donated by Marg Morren, her
son Alex and the Morren family. There are
now 10 accomplished volunteer pianists who
share their gift of music in the main lobby
weekly. It truly creates a welcoming and
tranquil atmosphere.
Mary Lou Tinmouth
Director, Volunteer Resources
Annual Report 2018-2019
29