	Auxiliary
	Candy Striper Cadets
	ECU Junior Volunteers

Volunteers

"Friends of St. Joseph's" - Share the Vision!

Volunteer Staff

Friends of St. Joseph's give of their time in a variety of ways over the seven day week. They visit the residents in ECU, helping in activities, outings, meal times, bedside visits, playing the organ, bringing in their pets (dogs, rabbits), reading aloud, writing letters, assisting with swimming, helping in the computer club and Snoezelen room and keeping shavers in good repair. Our volunteer services include the building of foot rockers, assembly of crutches, inventory of wheelchairs, delivering the local newspapers throughout the hospital twice a week and numerous other services. The potential for services is as varied as the unique gifts and wishes of the volunteer.

The project Friends of Emergency, for example, offers the opportunity for a roster of volunteers to contribute to the morning, afternoon and early evening time for the support of patients and family/friends. A cup of tea, someone to talk to, someone to assist with a small child, etc. can make a difference to patient, staff and family and make the time spent in Emergency less difficult.

Junior Volunteers perform duties within the Extended Care Unit. They contribute to a warm, caring home environment that enhances the quality of life of residents.

All duties performed by Junior Volunteers are under supervision by the Junior Volunteer Supervisor. These duties may include:

Interaction with residents
Participation in activities such as arts and crafts, poster making, gardening, crossword, puzzles, and Scrabble
Assisting with offering beverages and food
Assisting in cleaning up after special events
Assisting with various activity programs such as outings, crafts, woodworking, and baking
Participation in games such as Skittles, Horseshoes, Bean Bag Toss, and Bowling

The Auxiliary was founded in 1914 and over the years has provided countless hours of service and thousands of dollars for many needed items of equipment. Among projects and services are the Thrift Shop, Gift Shop and Mobile Cart, the hours given and money raised through Bingo, the Candy Striper Cadets and the members who assist in ECU, Colposcopy Clinics, Information Desk, Emergency and Cataract Clinic to name a few.

Volunteers must complete an orientation program. All volunteer tasks with patients and residents are under the overview of Nurse Managers and staff to ensure the parameters and limitations of the volunteer role are followed. This team approach helps to ensure support for patients, residents and staff.

Each hour given by a volunteer is valued by the residents of Extended Care, the patients in the Acute Care, and by staff. Volunteers enhance the life of these people and are valued and appreciated.

Remember, the hours you can give are YOURS to give. Whether many or few, they are appreciated!

Volunteering Benefits Everyone!

Volunteers Give...

Time: yours to give - as much (or as little) as YOU choose to give (no guilty consciences!)
Skills and Talents: sitting and listening, smiling and holding a hand (often you'll hear a story more than once!).
Patience and Love: a few minutes of your time can be so meaningful to someone who is confused and lonely.
Warmth and Caring: not everyone has a family visit on a regular basis (you can provide that sense of family).

Volunteers Gain...

A feeling of being needed.
A knowledge that your being there counts.
An awareness of being part of a team.
New skills and knowledge.
Pre-employment experience and resource for references.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with us, please contact:

Volunteer Manager
Telephone: (250) 339-2242, Local 1548