The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 1

By Mary Ann Lee

Having fun, sharing the camaraderie, being in colourful upbeat surroundings, getting great ideas for gifts while contributing significantly, both financially and from a service perspective, are among the things volunteers like most about volunteering in the Gift Shop.

The Gift Shop is the major source of funding for the Sunnybrook Volunteer Association’s financial contribution to the hospital. Over the next few years the final instalments on a major SVA pledge are being directed towards the hospital’s new emergency facilities. These funds come primarily from the Gift Shop’s sales.

The shop provides an attractive, well-stocked, convenient venue for visitors, patients, staff and volunteers to purchase presents as well as necessities and treats. The shop is staffed four shifts, five days per week as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with multiple volunteers working each shift. The variety of merchandise and hours of operation often let shoppers make one less stop in their busy day.

Dianne Fuller, Gift Shop manager, praises the volunteers for their faithfulness, graciousness with customers and willingness to help. She states that keeping the shop open is totally dependent on the volunteers. She also believes that, while the major gift “seasons” of Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Summer Gardens are important and attract many customers, the everyday items that customers can

pickup to avoid second trips are equally valuable.

Barb Hunt has been a Gift Shop volunteer for 15 years and has convened this service for many years. She plays an instrumental role in training new volunteers, scheduling shifts and filling in for extra duty in addition to her regular Tuesday evening assignment.

The current Gift Shop roster has volunteers from varied backgrounds and years of service. Yoli Cira was originally recruited many years ago by her sister and she still looks forward to her weekly shift. During her more than 40 years of service she has seen many changes, including the Gift Shop’s move to the current main lobby and the automation of its cash system. Yoli echoed other volunteers when she described the pride she takes when people from other hospitals compliment the Shop.

Taylor Gilbert, a retired professor from the U of T Business School, started volunteering in the Shop more than ten years ago as a “way to give back” after being a patient in the hospital. When asked what he liked best about volunteering he immediately replied “the people and the camaraderie.”

High Praise for the Gift Shop’s Valuable Team

Gift shop manager, Diane Fuller (L) acknowledges the success of the shop is totally dependent on the contribution of volunteers like Merlyn Gibbons (C) and Yoli Cira (R). Photo by Lena Koh.

continued on page 2

Archival Photos Available to Volunteers

The Archives Committee of the SVA is doing some early spring cleaning! A number of duplicates of historic photos of SVA activities are currently on display in the volunteer lounge in room E 108. Why not take a minute to thumb

through the box and see if that gem of you and your colleagues at an SVA event of years gone by is still there.

If it is – take it home and enjoy!

Volume IX-Issue 4December 2008

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 2

caller from Calgary who called about flowers for a family member, talked for some time and thanked her repeatedly. Shirley also assists with the card displays, ensuring that stock is put out and counted.

Joy Gilchrist began her volunteer career more than 40 years ago as a patient visitor. Later she helped with the mobile shopping cart in the days when patient stays were longer. This led to working in the Gift Shop where she now fills the role of card buyer; she has high praise for her suppliers. She also appreciates the current location of the Gift Shop. Its visibility in the high traffic entrance means that many people are attracted by the displays and this leads to their browsing and often buying. She also reminds volunteers that their shopping is a financial contribution to the SVA and the Gift Shop.

Many of the volunteers credited the shop employees, Dianne Fuller, manager, and Irina Krysan, assistant manager, with providing its wonderful environment. It takes many people working together and many satisfied customers to make the Gift Shop successful – a tribute to both the Gift Shop volunteers and the staff.

Gift shop volunteer convenor, Barbara Hunt, and volunteer Taylor Gilbert enjoy a moment with the gift shop’s attractive variety of merchandise. Photo by Mary Ann Lee.

continued from page 1

Are You Interested in Writing?The SVA Newsletter Committee has an opening for a member of the Association interested in writing articles for The Sunnybrook Volunteer. If you have some writing experience, enjoy meeting people, and have an interest in newsletter activities, we would be pleased to hear from you.

The committee meets four times a year to plan the quarterly issues and members typically take one or two articles to develop. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the volunteer world at Sunnybrook and help out with the Association’s objectives at the same time.

If writing for the newsletter interests you, please get in touch with the SVA’s office administrator, Sheila Young at 416-480-4132 or Sheila.young@sunnybrook.ca.

Jaz Atwal, with more than ten years of service, formerly volunteered in the Hair Salon. She, too, loves the interactions with customers and other volunteers. She loves the pace in the shop. The fact that her efforts are making an important financial contribution to the SVA and the hospital are an added bonus.

Merlyn Gibbons started volunteering in the Gift Shop in 1997. She gets pleasure from people who come into the shop to browse at the card displays and then start smiling and laughing. They often comment how nice it was to have a diversion for a few minutes and even a laugh. Merlyn is currently looking forward to the Christmas “rush” when patients, visitors and staff eagerly shop for presents. Every time she comes in she sees something new and she likes the surprises. She typifies many other volunteers when she describes the satisfaction of helping people as well as the pride she feels when a customer compliments the shop.

Barbara St. Hill-Skinner was introduced by her church to volunteering at Sunnybrook sixteen years ago. On Sundays they wheeled veterans to church services. About eight years ago she became a member of the SVA and when she retired she found additional time to volunteer in the Gift Shop where she enjoys the unique gifts, the wonderful comments from shoppers as well as the “opportunity to just listen” to people. Barbara is also involved with the SVA’s Fine Arts program.

Shirley Taylor has volunteered in the Gift Shop for more than five years. She especially likes being part of a service that provides cheer and diverts people for a few minutes from more serious things. Sometimes, she becomes familiar with families of patients who may be in hospital for a period of time. For example, she related the instance of a

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 3

A Message from…

Phyllis EppPresident, Sunnybrook Volunteer Association

The volunteer year is in full swing.

There are changes taking place on our Board - John Lang (1st V.P.) and Pyar Dossal (Member at Large) have both resigned effective the end of December. They were valued members of the Board and leave with our grateful thanks. The positive thing is that both will continue volunteering at Sunnybrook. Completing the board, Esther McKinnon, current

2nd VP, will move into the role of 1st V.P., the Board has appointed Ike Goodfellow to assume the 2nd V.P. position, and Nancy Pearcey will join the Board to complete the term as Member at Large. We welcome them to the Board and thank them for agreeing to fill these roles.

In November, the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario held its annual conference at the Toronto Convention Centre. At the Gala Banquet, four of our fellow volunteers became Provincial Life Members of that organization. We congratulate each of them. Their photographs will be displayed in the Volunteer Lounge.

Also this month, I attended the Remembrance Day services at Warrior’s Hall and laid a wreath on behalf of the Sunnybrook Volunteer Association. It was an honour to be able to represent our group on that significant occasion.

To all: best wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday season.

A Message from…

Katherine AlexopoulosDirector, Volunteer Resources

It’s hard to believe another year is drawing to a close. This past year, under the leadership of Dr. Barry McLellan, President & CEO, the hospital undertook a couple of initiatives to plan and position Sunnybrook for the future. One was the introduction of the hospital’s new Mission, Vision and Values. Often we regard MVV as mere words on paper; however, I encourage you to reflect on how you as a volunteer demonstrate the hospital’s values of Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Engagement.

During the past year we have had another 90 volunteers attend a refresher orientation! We appreciate the time you have taken to help ensure you remain current on policies and practices that affect your role as volunteers. Anything we can do to help make Sunnybrook a safer place is so important. We encourage those of you who have yet to attend a session to make a sincere effort to do so in the future.

Our first “Lunch & Learn” on Dementia, presented by Dr. Sandra Black, was attended by close to 120 volunteers. We plan to continue to offer Lunch & Learn sessions and welcome your suggestions for topics; either topics that are of interest personally or that would help you in your volunteer roles.

Construction continues across our campus. The M-wing expansion is really taking shape, the new Emergency is almost complete and, in the New Year, construction will begin on the 1st floor of the Odette Cancer Centre. Volunteers in OCC will definitely witness first-hand the impact of construction and will play a vital role in helping to manage the disruption.

I would like to acknowledge the Volunteer Resources team for their efforts over the past year; it has been a hectic year with multiple and competing priorities and they have managed to keep smiling through it all.

On behalf of all of us, Beth, Carol, Jennifer, Kathy and Sally, we hope that the holidays are filled with happy moments spent with those you care about and that the New Year brings health and peace.

Mark Your Calendar!Green Thumbs Sales Greenhouse opens again Jan. 12, 2009Sales Resume Jan. 28, 2009Valentines Gift Baskets Feb. 13, 2009

Christmas Statutory HolidaysThurs. Dec. 25, 2008 Fri. Dec. 26, 2008Thurs. Jan. 1, 2009

Refresher OrientationThurs. March 5, 200910:30 am -12:30 pm, Room D506

Phyllis EppKatherine Alexopoulos

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 4

By Joan Willingham

The Holland Centre, formerly known as the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital, is Sunnybrook’s hidden gem in the heart of Toronto. Radiology pioneer and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Charles Stewart Wright (1884-1952), had for many years a dream for a hospital dedicated to those afflicted with bone and joint diseases. Unfortunately Dr. Wright died before the hospital opened. His son, also named Dr. Charles Stewart Wright, fulfilled this dream when, along with co-founder Dr. James Ennis Bateman, he opened the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital on April 13, 1955. The original hospital had 16 beds and was located in one of Toronto’s beautiful old homes on Wellesley St. just east of Yonge. The house had no elevator so Dr. Wright would carry patients to the operating room in his arms, earning him the nickname ‘Otis’.

Sept. 22, 1964 saw the dedication of the hospital’s current expanded facility. There are 200 beds and more than 5,000 surgical procedures performed annually. The hospital is one of the largest hip and knee joint replacement centres in Canada and one of only a few that performs minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. It is home to Canada’s largest team of musculoskeletal experts. In 2005 the hospital received a gift of $20 million from a member of the Holland family who had been a patient.

When the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital opened in 1955 an auxiliary formed by some of the doctors’ wives became the basis for the volunteer association which today has 25 members most of whom work in the Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is the principal fund-raising vehicle for the Holland Centre and provides more than just cards, gifts and candy. It also sells the assisting devices needed by patients when leaving the hospital such as peri-cushions, reaching

aids, neck rolls, elastic shoelaces and other items to aid a patient’s convalescence.

Margaret Ferguson is considered the ‘Chairperson’ of the Gift Shop because she has been a volunteer there since the hospital first opened. She has many stories to tell about the hospital’s early years. The buyer and chief organizer of the Shop is Ada Wynston, who would like more space for the shop and more volunteers so it could remain open in the evening. Ada has been volunteering at the Holland Centre since 1964, when a friend who had been a patient, asked if she would help raise funds for the hospital and find items to donate for sale. Ada was hooked and has been volunteering there ever since. She knits children’s clothing to sell in the Gift Shop and

operates a book cart that sells books to patients and staff for a small fee. I noticed a warm camaraderie among the volunteers in the shop and with the hospital staff.

Rahima Mulla has been a volunteer for four years in the pre-op department where she works one day a week with three other volunteers preparing information packages for new patients. Rahima also does support work for the O.R. Booking Desk, where her organizational skills are much appreciated.

Frank Mercier is a former patient who volunteers in the physiotherapy clinic for patients who have had knee replacement surgery. Frank had this surgery just over a year ago and volunteers twice a week to coach those who are just beginning their rehab. His personal experience allows him to understand and empathize with those who are frightend and upset when they first arrive at the clinic. He knows this will change as they make steady progress and regain their self-confidence. Patience and a sense of humour are essential for those working here according to Frank, who gets great satisfaction from what he does and feels needed and appreciated by the physiotherapists who run the program. In fact, I was told they would love to have a second volunteer in the clinic. Patients often express their gratitude by bringing small gifts and treats for the clinic at the end of their rehabilitation course.

The Holland Centre delivers innovative surgical techniques and is developing new rehabilitation programs for those suffering from bone and joint diseases. Volunteers contribute by assisting with administration tasks and in the clinics. Those in the Gift Shop provide a valuable service for staff, patients and visitors and raise much needed funds for the hospital.

Holland Centre Volunteers Proud of Historic Role

Holland Centre volunteers, Rahima Mulla (L), Frank Mercier (C), and Ada Wynston (R) represent an enthusiastic group of 25 volunteers who have been supporting this facility (formerly known as the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital) for more than 50 years. Photo by John Lang.

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 5

A large group of enthusiastic volunteers participated in the Suunybrook Health Sciences Centre’s annual Volunteer Recogntion Luncheon on October 15, 2008 at the Vaughan Estate.

Full House for the Hospital’s Volunteer Luncheon

Recognition at Its BestOn Oct.15, 2008, the hospital held its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the Vaughan Estate – an event that is always a high point on the volunteer calendar. Sunnybrook’s CEO, Dr. Barry McLellan attended along with Vice President, Human Resources, Marilyn Reddick and the entire Volunteer Resources staff. They emphasized the hospital’s ongoing thanks for the day to day commitment and contribution of Sunnybrook’s volunteers.

For the Sunnybrook Volunteer Association, being guests at such a nice event in such a wonderful setting is strong reinforcement for its own mission statement. Recognition is a central theme of the SVA’s activities, and the opportunity to see recognition delivered so well is a treat. Dr. McLellan and his colleagues deserve our continuing thanks for the effort they put into recognizing the contribution of the hospital’s volunteer corps. Ed.

Student Volunteers Benefit From HAAO ConferenceBy Carol Banks

I recently had the privilege of attending the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario Student Volunteer Convention at the Fairmont Hotel along with two members of our Student Volunteer Committee, Eleni Patsakos and Amanda Thompson.

This educational and fun convention is a chance for student volunteers and coordinators from across Ontario to meet, network and share ideas and strategies to promote student volunteerism. Eleni and Amanda had the chance to meet other students, and learn more about what students are doing in other hospitals. The highlight of the convention for the students was meeting healthcare professionals to discuss career opportunities.

There were about 75 students overall, and the coordinators agreed that we also learned a great deal about the challenges and different aspects of managing student volunteer programs.

Eleni and Amanda felt that the conference helped them both personally and professionally, and plan to apply much of what they learned when volunteering and in their future career goals. Thank you SVA for supporting us with this conference!

Sunnybrook student volunteers Eleni Patsakos and Amanda Thompson enjoyed the opportunity to meet other students and share ideas at the HAAO’s 2008 Student Volunteer Convention. Photo courtesy of Amanda Thompson.

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 6

By Phyllis Epp

The Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario (HAAO) Convention was held this year from November 1ST until the 5th. The theme was - Reality 2008: Advancing a new generation of support in Health Care.

Over the three days, five members of the Board attended various sessions including seminars on newsletter publication, credit card fraud and identity theft, archiving, association incorporation, a President’s forum, and the Annual General Meeting. The SVA also sponsored two students to attend the Student Volunteer program.

The highlight of the convention was the induction of volunteers from across Ontario as Provincial Life Members of the HAAO. Four Sunnybrook volunteers were part of this group: Gloria Fraser, a volunteer for 40 years, has worked in many areas; Shirley Taylor, 33 years of volunteering, again has volunteered in many areas; Joy Gilchrist, with 40 years of

service, is currently the card buyer in our Gift Shop; Mary Cowan, is a 25 year volunteer in K-Wing. All of these volunteers have been members of the SVA Board at various times. We are proud of them and are pleased that they have been honoured this way.

Provincial Life Members Honoured at HAAO Convention

Provincial Life Members honoured at the 2008 HAAO Convention are (L-R) Gloria Fraser, Shirley Taylor, Mary Cowan and Joy Gilchrist. Photo by Phyllis Epp.

Did you know that many Canadian businesses provide charitable donations to organizations with whom their employees or annuitants volunteer? Over the years, the Sunnybrook Volunteer Association has received several generous grants from companies such as Imperial Oil, Petro-Canada, Shell Canada, IBM, RBC Financial Group and Scotiabank under programs they have to support their employees’ volunteer activities. It is possible a little investigation on your part could lead to a nice cash donation for a worthy project in the hospital as an acknowledgement of your volunteering efforts.

If you are interested in pursuing this idea –

Ø Start by contacting your employer, or the company from which you have retired, to see if they have a program like this. The company’s donations group, or someone in their Human Resources function, should be able to advise you.

Ø If an opportunity exists, you will need to make an application for a grant, identifying where you volunteer, what your duties are, and in some cases, what the money would be used for. If identification of a use of the funds is a requirement, you can contact the SVA office (Sheila Young at 416-480-4132 or Sheila.young@sunnybrook .ca) to arrange for an SVA board member to assist you in identifying a project. (For example, both IBM

and Bell Canada have contributed wheelchairs in the past, Petro-Canada and Shell Canada have supported Greenthumbs, and Imperial Oil gave grants for purchase of equipment in three departments.)

Ø Volunteer Resources can give you any necessary verification of your volunteer assignment – simply contact Jennifer Trelle in the Volunteer Resources office (416-480-4129) and ask for a confirming letter. Bear in mind, however, that Volunteer Resources does not get involved in the donation itself. Your employer’s donation will be made to the Sunnybrook Volunteer Association, and the ultimate use of the funds will be determined by the SVA board in consultation with you.

Ø Your employer may also ask for financial statements or other background information on the SVA. Again, the SVA office can put you in touch with the right people to help you.

One of the great advantages of such a program is that, once a company has made a donation, they may repeat it each year as long as you continue to volunteer at Sunnybrook. But even if it is only a one time grant, these programs are certainly worth pursuing.

Happy hunting!

Does Your Employer Sponsor Volunteering?

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 7

On September 12, 2008, volunteers enjoyed the annual welcome back BBQ luncheon in the courtyard outside the Blythwood Room. The weather cooperated nicely and everyone got the 08/09 volunteer season off to a running start!

Sun Shines on Annual

Fall Barbecue

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—December 2008, Page 8

Welcome New Volunteers!

Maya De Zoysa, OCC ClinicZelia Lopes, Gift ShopLuciene Rezende, Creative Arts Music TherapyDeirdre Whitley, Gift ShopKayla Neil, K Wing Wheelchair EscortAndrew Corso, Radiation TherapyYu Zeng, EmergencyGazelle Barghgir, MammographyKathryn McTavish, Specimen CollectionJustine Khashmanian, General RadiographyOmid Nouri, M Wing Wheelchair EscortTahmina Haque, Same Day SurgeryLillian Libralato, Coffee CartAmanda Singleton, Adolescent Mental HealthMelinda Yeung, EmergencyJo Forrester, EmergencyMelanie Hale-Carter, EmergencyMichael Reeve, K Wing Wheelchair EscortAkram Eslami, MammographyDiliana Chopova, Emergency

First Anniversary Volunteers

(For August, September, October)

Barbara BallardChaitasi IntwalaNancy LyonsJoyce SmilesBonnie SmithClaire St. ArnaudKatherine Winterton

In Memoriam

Ana McAuliffe, October 2008Susan Roden, November 2008

SVA Board Meeting HighlightsBy Nancy Gyokeres, Secretary

These highlights are from the Sept. 9, Oct. 14 and Nov. 11, 2008 meetings of the Board of Directors of the Sunnybrook Volunteer Association:

• The approximately 25 Volunteers at the Holland Centre are recognized as members of the SVA with equal status within the Association.

• The SVA cards continue to sell in the Gift Shop and elsewhere throughout the year. Ten different Christmas scenes were packaged for Christmas sales in the Gift Shop and three locations in the hospital. Larger lots of cards are beginning to be sold, including purchases by the Sunnybrook Foundation and TD Capital.

• The Student Awards Dinner was held on Aug. 21. The winners were Maria Yan and Maryanne Sui, $1,000 each, and Megan Hines and Annette Ye, $500 each.

• Board members and volunteers were encouraged to attend the annual meeting and conference of the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario in November. The Board agreed to sponsor the attendance of Carol Banks of Volunteer Resources and two student volunteers.

• Dr. Sandra Black was scheduled to speak on dementia at a Lunch and Learn session offered to volunteers on Nov. 20.

The Newsletter Committee is conducting a Readers Survey that has been mailed to you with the December issue of The Sunnybrook Volunteer.

Please – fill it out and return it to us. We really need your input. Thank you.

Newsletter CommitteeJohn Lang, Editor; Phyllis Epp, ex-officio;

Mary Ann Lee and Joan Willingham, membersDesign: Lorraine Hunter Printing: Sunnybrook Print Shop

The Newsletter Committee welcomes input from members interested in joining Board Committees, helping out at SVA events, researching and/or

writing articles for the newsletter, or taking photographs. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at:

Sheila.young@sunnybrook.ca© Sunnybrook Volunteer Association 2008

We Need To Hear From You!