News

Volunteers are the heart and soul of VON. Their unwavering dedication and support make a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities. From assisting with essential services to offering companionship and support, VON volunteers embody the spirit of generosity and the significance of community care. In this article, we connect with volunteers who are celebrating significant milestones and awards received from outside organizations this year.

June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario

This year, three VON volunteers have been inducted into Hospice Palliative Care Ontario’s June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers: Janet Mutch, Geraldine Kouwen and Maureen Chomica.

Janet Mutch

Janet Mutch has been a dedicated volunteer at VON Sakura House, in Woodstock, Ontario, for six years. Inspired by the compassionate care her sister-in-law received during her final days, Janet wanted to find a productive way to fill her spare time. She has since found her role deeply fulfilling and appreciates being part of a passionate team.

Janet cherishes moments when she listens to patients' families share their grief and life stories, and is thankful for their expressions of gratitude towards the staff and volunteers. The strong community support further reinforces the importance of her work.

Janet chose these three words to describe her volunteering experience:

Blessed, to be part of such an incredible, passionate team.

Fulfilling, feeling that her time is well spent and that she excels in her role.

Appreciated, recognized for her usefulness and helpfulness.

Geraldine Kouwen

Geraldine Kouwen began volunteering with VON Oxford six years ago, after moving to Canada from West Africa. Trained as a nurse in the Netherlands, Geraldine sought a purposeful way to use her skills. Her experiences in Africa, combined with a desire to provide more patient-centred care, led her to hospice volunteering.

 “Geraldine is definitely the backbone of the VON Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Visiting team at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (TDMH) and we truly appreciate her selfless service,” says Kim Dew, Program Coordinator, Supportive Care & Volunteer Visiting. “She is so generous with the time she dedicates to the patients and their loved ones, and I hope her induction into the June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers reinforces for her the profound impact she has made on so many over the years.”

Geraldine finds great satisfaction in knowing that her efforts provide significant support to patients and their families during difficult times.

Words she chooses to describe her volunteering experience:

I don't give, I receive:  Geraldine emphasizes the mutual benefits of volunteering, recognizing how much she gains from her interactions with patients.

Maureen Chomica

Maureen began volunteering with VON Durham Hospice Services in the fall of 2018, after experiencing significant family losses. With a background in Social Work, she felt a calling to support others in their grief. Over nearly six years, Maureen has supported grief and bereavement clients through one-on-one sessions and facilitated various support groups. In 2022, she became a part-time volunteer trainer while continuing her volunteer duties.

Completing her first one-on-one session after training was a significant moment for Maureen. The sense of helping someone feel better about their loss provided her with a feeling of accomplishment. Training future volunteers brings her immense fulfillment, and her induction into the HPCO’s June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers topped off her rewarding volunteer experience.

Maureen shared these three words to describe her volunteering experience:

Grateful, to be able to share, listen, and help

Proud, to be able to make a difference

Honoured, to volunteer and help others become volunteers

About the June Callwood Award

The June Callwood Award was established in 1994 by the Hospice Association of Ontario, now Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, to acknowledge and thank outstanding hospice volunteers throughout Ontario. The award was named in honour of the late June Callwood, a long-time advocate of hospice care, community activist, author, and recipient of the Order of Canada. Since its inception, 855 hospice volunteers have been inducted into the Circle of Outstanding Volunteers, each one embodying June Callwood's legacy of integrity, talent, and passion for social justice.

Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Government of Ontario

This year, Mike Ellah, VON Oxford volunteer, is one of the recipients of the Ontario Volunteer Service Award. This award, presented by the Government of Ontario, recognizes volunteers for their committed and dedicated service to an organization. It celebrates volunteer contributions and acknowledges adults for their continuous service ranging from five to 65 years, and youth (24 years old and under) for two or more years of continuous service.

Mike began his journey with VON over 25 years ago. After experiencing an acquired brain injury, he sought therapy and found VON to be the perfect fit. "From the first time I set foot in the door, I felt that I belonged here at VON!" Mike has been a steadfast volunteer, providing essential support and companionship to clients.

Robyn Mongelli, Program Supervisor, says, "Mike is the glue of the VON Oxford Ingersoll Adult Day Program. We are forever thankful for him and all that he does for our program, the staff, and especially our clients. From his wonderful, corny jokes to his ever-so-impressive range of trivia knowledge, we are extremely honoured to have him volunteer with us. To quote the theme song of the television show ‘Cheers’ – everyone knows his name!"

Volunteering with VON has given Mike a true understanding of the importance of these services to the community. A standout moment for him was returning to the Adult Day Program after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The excitement and warm hugs from clients who were thrilled to see him again underscored the significant impact he has on their lives. "The staff tell me that when I’m away, the program doesn’t feel the same without me—and that I’m the glue of the program!"

Mike chose these three words to describe his volunteering experience:

Memorable, Fulfilling and Enjoyable

25-year volunteer embodies all the characteristics you would want in a volunteer driver

John Alex Craig recently received his 25-year pin for volunteering with VON and has now begun a well-deserved retirement. Starting his volunteering journey in August 1998, Alex dedicated over two decades to the VON HOMME Program in Strathroy before transferring to VON Perth Huron as a transportation volunteer. Justine Jordan, Program Coordinator, Volunteers and Visiting program, says, “Alex was a very reliable, responsive, kind, and caring volunteer. He embodied all the characteristics that you would want in a VON volunteer driver. He was our go-to volunteer and always willing to take on some of the earlier, less favourable times and locations clients needed to go. We are going to miss his presence at our program but are appreciative of all the time he dedicated to our team and clients. Wishing him all the best in his retirement.”

Thank you to all of our VON volunteers!

The dedication and commitment of volunteers help to make VON's mission possible. Their contributions provide crucial support to individuals and families, while also building stronger communities.

If you're inspired to give back and care for your community, VON has a variety of volunteer opportunities that might match your interests and availability. Visit https://von.ca/en/volunteer to learn more.