Meet our Volunteers at QCH

This World Kindness Day, we’re paying tribute to one of the most charitable acts of kindness: volunteering.

Our Volunteers are a staple at QCH: their blue jackets are well-known throughout the hospital, and they are always there to help when it’s needed. They’ve been a part of QCH since we opened in 1976.

COVID-19 did not fully change that. With masks on and safety protocols in place, our Volunteers are doing what they do best: helping our patients and staff however they can.

Annabel Zhu

I originally started volunteering around February 2020 and I was happy to come back and help since my summer plans fell through due to the pandemic. I just started university completely online, and I’ve come to truly appreciate volunteering at the hospital because I get to interact with people (in real life!) which has become a bit of a rarity nowadays. The Gift Shop is a morale booster to the staff and visitors of the hospital, and I’m happy to provide some retail therapy to those who need it!

Sue McKay

I was asked to stay home, as were all volunteers, when the pandemic started. I was happy to return in September when volunteers under 70 were able to. Glenn Hay and the Volunteer Department kept all of us up to date on what was going on at QCH while we were at home. It was clear from these updates that QCH was managing the pandemic well, so I had no worries about returning to the hospital during the pandemic. I have been happy to see how well protective measures continue at QCH. It feels good to give back as a volunteer.

Brenda Witt

Hi, I’m Brenda Witt and I’m 58 years old. I completed the volunteer orientation program and was waiting for a placement call when the pandemic first hit. When I did get that call, I accepted to volunteer despite the ongoing pandemic, because I knew it was safe here. I wanted to interact with people and take great enjoyment from the smiles I bring to folks as they visit the Gift Box. I may be a bit quirky at times but most people leaving the Gift Box often say I made their journey to the hospital an easier one because of my bubbly personality!

Vasily Inkovskiy

I started volunteering at QCH in January in the Emergency Department before COVID-19 started. When I returned to the QCH in June, I continued my volunteering, moving to the registration desk. I knew that volunteering will allow me to reunite with my community and contribute during this difficult times! Besides that, pandemic decreased the amount of time we can spend with our families and friends and contributed to social isolation. Helping patients at the QCH not only gives self-fulfilment but also allows to socialize and meet people!

One fun fact about me: I’m originally from Russia! 

Helly Bharwad

I see headlines pop up every so often with doctors and nurses still working during COVID-19. If everyone is helping, why can’t I? I started volunteering at QCH to help as much as I can at this stage of my life, and I am glad I started. I work with different staff members, and I have so many conversations with them - volunteering is the one thing that I look forward to every week! I am grateful for everyone who works at QCH, and I want to thank each and every one of the staff members who have been working during the pandemic. Hopefully, one day, we will have conversations without masks and social distancing!