Volunteer at WPSHC

The Hospital Elder Life Program (H.E.L.P.) Volunteers assist older adult patients admitted to the hospital, helping prevent decline and enhancing their quality of life during their stay. Carefully trained, these volunteers collaborate with staff to ensure patients receive the special care they need to achieve the best outcomes. H.E.L.P. Volunteers provide daily visits, mealtime assistance, support with early mobilization, therapeutic activities, and socialization to improve the overall hospital experience.

Our Day Surgery team provides support and information to patients and families undergoing day surgeries from Monday to Friday. This small yet compassionate team offers assistance from the moment patients enter the department until they leave. Volunteers help prepare patients for surgery, provide support and information to their loved ones, and assist Day Surgery staff with patient recovery and departures.

Our Pet Therapy volunteers and dogs are certified St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog volunteers. They provide pet therapy visits to patients and staff on Tuesdays. They also visit Lakeland Long Term Care. Through petting, affection, and regular visits, many at WPSHC benefit both physically and emotionally from the unconditional love and compassion of our therapy dogs.

Hava Java Coffee Shop is run entirely by dedicated WPSHC Auxiliary volunteers. Arriving as early as 7 a.m., they begin brewing our favorite coffees, teas, and cappuccinos. Volunteers manage inventory, order supplies with support from Dietary staff, and stock the shelves with a variety of treats to support staff and comfort patients and visitors. With exceptional customer service and friendly smiles, they brighten our days. Every purchase helps support the hospital and local health care services, so when you fill your cup, you help fill ours too!

Did you know the entire operation of our Gift Shop is run by dedicated volunteers? A team of leadership volunteers manages everything from purchasing to organizing the shop, curating tasteful clothing and items to provide a little retail therapy at WPSHC. All proceeds support our health centre and local health care services! We encourage everyone to stop by to see what’s new and support our community in the process!

We have an incredible team that helps by hand quilting, sewing and knitting goods for sale and auction. Each month, these volunteers donate over 100 hours working on handmade quilts, baby clothes and more to sell in the gift shop and raffle off to raise money for our organization. This team also attends the Parry Sound Summer Market, and has raised thousands of dollars to support our hospital. In addition to creating items to sell, they also help mend and make items such as chemotherapy infusion pump bags for Ambulatory Care patients and repair patient gowns for various departments.

Our Information Desk and Wayfinding team consists of volunteers who greet you as you enter the main entrance of the hospital. They welcome patients and visitors, provide wayfinding support, and assist with answering general questions (e.g., how to exit the parking lot). These volunteers also help keep our organization, staff, fellow volunteers, and affiliates safe by supporting self-screening and directing patients and visitors to staff and various locations.

Have you ever ventured up to the 4th floor to observe our beautiful tropical trees and plants? Did you know that one of our dedicated volunteers cares for these plants and trees each week to ensure they stay healthy which helps to keep our air clean and beautiful.

We have one dedicated volunteer who supports our dietary department and comes in at 5:30am most days of the week! This role helps stock our shelves and support our robust dietary team.