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| News & Events |
| April 18, 2010
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| NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK THIS WEEK |
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by Alice Beck, Director of Volunteer Services
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 18-April 24, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank and celebrate the 98 active volunteers whose steadfast dedication and commitment enable Niagara Hospice to fulfill its mission of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
It has always been said that our volunteers are the “Heart and Soul” of Hospice. But they are so much more than that. Our volunteers’ selfless acts of compassion and kindness, both large and small, allow our patients the comfort, companionship and dignity that make all the difference at a critical turning point in their lives. Whether it’s sitting with a patient to give their caregiver a break, picking up and delivering supplies to a patient’s home, providing clerical support in the office or helping with our special events – you are crucial members of our team.
Having had the pleasure of working with hundreds of Hospice volunteers in the last 11 years, I know that most are quite humble about what they do. They find what they do so rewarding that they don’t seek any additional recognition. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard some version of these remarks: “What’s the fuss? I’m just a volunteer,” or, “I don’t work here, I’m a volunteer.” You aren’t just volunteers. You are the quiet healers who since 1988 have played an integral part in helping Niagara Hospice provide the best end-of-life care in the County.
Author Ralph Scott once said: “Kindness is a hard thing to give away. It keeps coming back to the giver.” When you ask a Hospice volunteer why they do what they do, the response is most often because they get more out of volunteering than their patients do. One volunteer even told me she felt selfish because she enjoys her volunteer work so much.
On behalf of the Niagara Hospice staff, Board of Directors and most importantly, the many families you serve - I offer my sincere thanks for your dedication, compassion, talents and all that you do each and every day. Thank you Niagara Hospice volunteers!
If you or anyone you know would like to learn more on how to become a member of our team, please call Alice Beck at 280-0748 or visit our website at NiagaraHospice.org. |
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