Every year during National Volunteer Week, organizations across Canada unite to recognize the over 24 million volunteers who offer their time, energy and experiences to make a positive difference in their communities. For the 2024 Recognition Week this April 14-20, the theme Every Moment Matters highlights the importance of each volunteer and every contribution they make—at a time when their support is needed more than ever.

At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we are so fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who show us just how much every moment of their support truly matters. VHA is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. And volunteers provide many vital services including, administrative support in community clinics, delivering personal protective equipment to staff teams, relieving caregivers and families in crisis, and coaching and supporting those struggling with hoarding disorder. These contributions make a significant difference in the lives of our clients, families, staff and service providers and help us create opportunities for more independence.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we connected with volunteers from several Responsive Community Care programs and a community clinic to get a closer look at what motivates them, and one of VHA’s supervisors commented on the important impact volunteers have on our VHA community. Here’s some of what they had to say.

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VHA Voices

Liza Agrba, Safer Spaces: Hoarding Support Volunteer 

“During my time as a volunteer in the Safer Spaces: Hoarding Support Program, getting to know our incredibly diverse client base has truly been a joy. Decluttering spaces is a complex process for volunteers and clients—both practically and emotionally—but watching people make tangible strides in areas that matter to them is worth every minute of effort. This program helps prevent the cracks in our system from deepening, and I get so much satisfaction from knowing that I played even a small role in improving someone’s life and well-being.

With the state of the world and its many injustices, you can start to feel pretty powerless. For me, volunteering is a proactive way to make a concrete difference.”

Photo Credit: Natalia Dolan

Eden Yang, Respite and Renew: Caregiver Support Volunteer

“As a volunteer in the Respite and Renew: Caregiver Support Program, I am able to support clients living with dementia as well as their caregivers. By providing activities that are mentally, physically and socially stimulating for our clients, their caregivers are given a much-needed break at the same time.

Providing this support and actually seeing the positive difference it makes in the lives of families is very fulfilling. This program also aligns so well with my own values and lifestyle and I’m so grateful for this experience.”

Mubanga Bowa, Connected Families: Parenting Support Volunteer

“What I enjoy most about volunteering in the Connected Families: Parenting Support Program is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of parents and children who are experiencing some really difficult circumstances. This program targets vulnerable, low-income families in crisis who usually do not have any other support available. I am able to offer emotional support for parents and create positive memories with their children through play.

This work helps to alleviate some of the feelings of isolation for the parents and also encourages the well-being and development of their children. Together, we form a supportive community that uplifts and empowers families. Witnessing their resilience and knowing that my presence matters is incredibly rewarding.”

Christy and Nicole Chong, Administrative Support Volunteers, North Clinic

“In our volunteer roles at VHA’s North Clinic, we assist with many administrative tasks including, checking clients in when they arrive, responding to phone inquiries and making appointment reminder calls. This reduces the nurses’ workload and allows our nursing staff to give more of their time and attention to our clients.

It is so fulfilling for both of us to know that we are supporting the team, enhancing the quality of care and improving client experiences. This volunteer work has also been such a great learning experience. Our confidence has improved and our interactions with clients have been so meaningful.”

Dorothy Muiruri, Registered Nurse, Supervisor, Integrated Client & Community Care

“In my role as a Supervisor at VHA, I have the privilege of working with our amazing volunteers at the North Clinic. By reducing clerical tasks for our nursing staff there is more time for nurses to provide client-focused care. This can be as simple as not having to leave a treatment room to answer the door to let a client in—but it has a big impact.

The diversity of our volunteers, including students, new Canadians and retirees has strengthened our team and is mutually beneficial. We get such valuable support and our volunteers gain experience and feel fulfilled giving back to the community. We appreciate our VHA volunteers today and every day.”

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Thank you, Liza, Eden, Mubanga, Christy, Nicole, and our other 118 active volunteers who provided 4,444 hours of service at VHA last year. You are outstanding examples of empathy, compassion, skill and commitment and make a notable difference in the lives of our clients and families. Happy National Volunteer Week!

If you’re looking for a hands-on volunteer opportunity and want to make a positive difference in people’s lives, visit vha.ca/volunteer to find out how to get involved.