I have volunteered for Hospice for quite sometime. Life is difficult for all of us at different times. Many, many members of our community are caring for ill loved ones at home. The support and caregiver relief that the volunteers from Hospice provides to these families is immeasurable. Spending time with someone who is palliative is a very rewarding experience. Playing cards, reading a book or simply discussing whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Stanley Cup are all things we do with our own friends and loved ones. Doing these activities with a client while their loved one goes out to lunch with a friend to get a bit of a break is very, very precious. The staff and volunteers at Hospice West Parry Sound are so supportive and helpful, it makes volunteering a pleasure for all involved, the client, caregiver and myself. I can’t thing of anything I would rather be doing.

 

I have been volunteering for several years and find it rewarding to support clients, allowing them to stay in their familiar surroundings and allow the care giver a break. They often just want to hold your hand and know someone is with them, squeezing your hand in reply.