Summer 2010: The Sequel

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 , BY:KEITH S IMMONS August 2010

Record of your time 1

Returning Next Summer? 1

Gratitude 2

Evaluations 2

Your time cont’d 2

More Volunteering? 2

You Make it Great Poem 3

More Volunteer Hours 3

300+ Volunteers?! 3

Dear MSH…. 4

Pizza Party Farwell Event 4

Next Summer Application 5

Special Events Application 5

Summer Evaluation 6

Inside this issue:

Volunteer Vitals

G uys and gals, I must say that this

summer went beautifully. The hos-

pital was really impressed with your

dedication, hard work, and helpfulness.

Now here is the million dollar question:

Will you be here next year to enjoy an

even better summer? I certainly hope so.

Experienced volunteers are always wel-

comed! And here is the bonus: You don‟t

have to go through the „freshman‟ process

again. It is a lot simpler. As an experi-

enced volunteer, you will most likely get

a position in one of your preferred areas.

That is as long as you hand in the en-

closed Returning Summer Student Form

by May 2011. Secondly there are no com-

plicated applications to fill out, no inter-

views, and no orientations. So if you are

planning to return next summer (I would

love for you to return) this is what you

need to do:

Firstly, in this issue you will find a form

labeled “Returning Summer Student Ap-

plication”. Don‟t let the title fool you. It

is a simple form that requires your name,

Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but

because they are priceless.

- Anonymous

M any volunteers need some form of written confirmation which states that they

have donated their time to the Hospital. This is most often achieved through a

Reference Letter or the High School Curriculum‟s Community Service hours

form. Community Resources will complete these documents, so read on to find out how

one can acquire them.

The first two steps are critical and applicable to both Reference Letters and Com-

munity Service forms. First, you must document your hours in the Sign in

Electronic System. If you have not documented your time, we have no record of your

services. Period. You must electronically Sign-In using the electronic system provided

every time you volunteer. Referenced time is accumulative, meaning that we will only

document how many hours you have completed at present, not how many you are to do

in the future. If you have forgotten to sign-in, please updated us.

Secondly, you have to hand in your requests two weeks prior to the date they

are needed. The Community Resources Department cannot fill out the forms or write

the letters the day of, due to the volume of student requests and previous engagements.

...Continued on Page 2

Documentation of Your Time

Markham Stouf fvi l le Hospital

telephone number and email, where you

volunteered this summer and where you

would like to volunteer next summer. While

the form is to be handed in by May 2011, it

may be more advantageous for you to hand

it in earlier. If by chance you misplace your

copy of the form, there are extra copies in

the Community Resources Department.

Secondly, you need to wait patiently for an e

-mail or phone call from the summer stu-

dent coordinator some time between May

and the end of June 2011. We will do an

over the phone/internet „interview‟- if you

would call it that. I will basically ask about

your availability, schedule, and preferred

volunteer placement.

If you are interested in continuing to

volunteer throughout the upcoming

academic year, you can contact Sue

Bautista, Coordinator of the Community

Resources Department before the end of the

summer. She can be reached at (905) 472-

7012 or sbautista@msh.on.ca. If you choose

not to continue, we hope to see you next

summer! I had a lot of fun, and I am sure

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 VOLUNTEER VITALS PAGE 2

You Have our Gratitude

I t was an honour and a pleasure to have been working with such talented volunteers this

summer. Take heed, I do not say this lightly. For as the Coordinator of the Summer Stu-

dent Volunteers, I can assure you that no job was too small or insignificant. As a whole,

you all contributed to this Hospital in ways that are beyond measurement, yet profoundly felt

by the patients and staff alike. It was the small, humble surprises, I believe, that made this

summer so spectacular. The student whose diligent politeness encouraged staff to become

regular Ice Cream patrons. The volunteers who excitedly took on office work as a challenge.

The gentle manner in which a Day Surgery volunteer would wheel a patient. The volunteer

who reflected the joy on ALC/Rehab patient‟s faces simply because they were treated to a

walk outside. The incredible bond that was built through our student volunteer educational

workshops. And the compliments of the Summer Student Volunteers by both staff and pa-

tients. With the summer nearing its end, I wish to leave you with these words from the great

William Shakespeare: “How far that little candle throws his beams! / So shines a good deed in

a weary world.” Thank You.

N o, no, no. Don‟t worry, I will not be giv-

ing any tests or examinations. You will

not be graded based on strict criteria on

how well you donated your time. You can

breathe easy. In fact, it is you who will do

the evaluation of us.

Yes, the Community Resources Depart-

ment needs your help. We need to know of

areas that need improving and areas that

we did great on.

Among the many handouts in this

newsletter, is an evaluation sheet. It would be

greatly appreciated if you can fill it out and then

hand it back to the Community Resources De-

partment. Based on your feedback we will be

able to tune up the Summer Student Program

for next year, so we can maximize your volunteer

experience.

Evaluations

H ave you ever noticed that volunteering is both contagious and

addictive? Many students have already displayed these symp-

toms, and have requested to continue volunteering in the fall.

Fewer positions are available for students during the year,

But that doesn‟t mean that there are no opportunities. You

can be placed on a waiting list, or you may choose to take

part in one-time events, such as the Markham Fair

(September 30— October 3, 2010),Angus Glen Half Mara-

thon (November 7th, 2010), the Hospital Gala and Legacy

5K Run/Walk in early 2011, dates are on page 5.

If you would like to partake in Fall Volunteering, please

contact Sue Bautista at sbautist@msh.on.ca. Please provide

her with information on where you volunteered during the summer, and

what your availability is (day/time) during the school year. She will

respond to you through email with the available positions. Also, you can

fill out the sign up sheet found in this newsletter for the short-term

volunteer opportunities. Be as specific as you can when filling them out

and when you are done, please hand it into the Community Resources

Department as soon as possible.

More Volunteering

“Thank you. Thank you so

much.” -President Obama

…Continued from Page 1….

Community Service Forms: If your school has provided you with the forms needed, please fill

out as much information as possible: Name, School, Activity (describe your position) and the Hos-

pital‟s address:

Markham Stouffville Hospital

c/o Community Recourses Department

381 Church Street

Markham, Ontario L3P 7P3 If you do not have a form, you can get one from the Community

Resources Department. It will be filled out and signed by Sue

Bautista, the Coordinator of Community Resources. Reference

letters may be written for university/college students and can be

requested and completed at any time during the year. These

letters can include any period of time volunteered at the hospital,

even previous years.

We may sound a bit staunchly, and that is not our intent.

However, in order to keep up with the demand and for everything

to run smoothly, the Community Resources Department needs

your help. Thank you for your cooperation.

Your Time

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Markham Fair during September 30,

October 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2010. Volunteers will serve as ambassadors of the

Markham Stouffville Hospital Information Booth: greeting people, offering print

information about the hospital, and doing occasional guest appearances as Doc-

tor Bear.

Volunteers are additionally required for The Angus Glen 1/2 Marathon on

Sunday, November 7th, 2010. As well as for the Hospital Gala (April 1st,

2010) and the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation's Legacy 5K

Walk/Run (April 17, 2011) .Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation's

25th Annual Golf Tournament will take place in the Summer of 2011, and

volunteers are required! Please let Madeline Cuadra know if you are interested

in participating in any of these events, she can also confirm date, contact:

MCuadra@msh.on.ca OR (905) 472-7373 ext. 6970

The help that you offer with each passing day,

Makes you all unique people in your own special way.

From the Info Desk where a visit may start,

To handling the mail on the delivery cart.

From being a friend in Palliative Care,

To adding excitement when you become Dr. Bear.

From running those “STATS” for Emerge all the time,

To the Ice Cream Cart counting nickels and dimes.

From the Pharmacy Rounds and now pulling pills

To Offices stuffing envelopes, sending out bills.

From the volunteers who help in decisions,

To working each unit with grace and precision.

Wherever we venture, a Volunteer we will see,

You‟re in every Department from A to Z

So many to mention, each of you are gifted,

In a way that makes everyone feel uplifted.

Volunteering at Markham Stouffville Hospital Each Year,

Makes an impression on those passing through here.

So today is the day that we thank you with pleasure,

Our Volunteers, Our National Treasure

Adapted from a Poem, April ‘95

More Volunteer Hours?

You Make it Great!!

PAGE 3 VOLUNTEER VITALS VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

300+ Volunteers!?

Did you read that correctly? I hope so, because it might be hard to believe, but this summer our Community

Resources team recruited over 300 summer student volunteers at this hospital alone. Even I was shocked when I read that

number! Throughout this summer, I have met each and every student who entered our hospital. I got to see some returning

students, who chose to volunteer for another summer, and a lot of new students ranging from high school to University

education. All of you were eager to start volunteering and learning how the hospital works. I can’t thank you enough for

making this summer a successful one and I hope that you return for another summer of fun and excitement. This program

remains successful, because of students like you who come skipping into our office itching to volunteer. We all hope that you

come back again, even just to say “hello”, I am sure that our staff will miss your faces! Until next summer, have a great year!

- Keith Simmons, Summer

Student Volunteer Coordinator

Thanks for the wonderful opportunity you’ve provided me in volunteering this summer! I believe I’ve

found something in my life that brings me great joy. I noticed that I’m not doing this for my community

hours, resume or future references but because of the overwhelming emotions of passion and happiness that I

get. I can’t say how much I enjoy working each shift because I know somehow I’ve helped and have brought

a little more happiness even through smiling and saying “good morning” (with a smile)! If you ask me, I’ll

gladly list and explain a million reasons why I love this job!

For example, I am definitely NOT a morning person but every time I wake up at 7am for work, I feel

happy and optimistic no matter how tired I am! If you knew me well enough then you would know I am

worse than the grudge when I wake up in the morning (haha).

My jobs this summer were to drive the Art Cart around the hospital and medical office building while

giving out coloring sheets, crayons and stickers to children that are interested. On my spare time I would do

some office work (whatever people ask me to do) like errands, folding papers, typing and making power

points. Sometimes I would sell ice cream and in the early morning and afternoon I would be the secretary to

greet everyone who needs help and answer the phone.

Even though it’s sad that summer will be ending and then I would be too occupied to help out during

the school year, I just wanted to let you know I had a wonderful time and really hope I get to come back next

year summer and help out some more!!!

Sincerely,

Michelle Chu, Summer Student Volunteer

Dear Markham Stouffville Hospital...

PAGE 4 VOLUNTEER VITALS VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

PIZZA PARTY!

As a final farewell to all the summer student volunteers, we are cordially inviting you to attend a

goodbye pizza party! This will be held in Thursday, August 26, 2010. We will be providing free slices of

pizza as a way to thank you all for your time and dedication to

volunteering at Markham Stouffville Hospital. The event will run from

11am—2pm and will be located in the Auditorium. I hope everyone

can make it, and even if you volunteer that day, please be sure to come

by before, during or after your shift! Thanks again for an amazing

summer, and I hope that you all have a wonderful school year!

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: August 26,2010

Location: MSH Auditorium

Time: 11am-2pm

* Please RSVP to Keith as soon

as possible.

If you are interested in returning next summer, please complete the Returning Summer Student Application

form (above), and return the completed form as soon as possible. If you are in university/college, you can expect

to receive a call from the Community Resources Department between mid to late May 2011. For those of you in

high school, expect one in early June. For other volunteer opportunities (see form below), please hand in the

completed form to Community Resources by Friday, September 10, 2010. (late forms will still be accepted)

PAGE 5 VOLUNTEER VITALS VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

Name: ___________________________________________ High school ___ University ___ (check one)

Telephone Number:_____________________ Address: ____________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Previous MSH Volunteer Positions:_____________________________________________________

Volunteer Years: ____________________________________________________________________

Desired Position: ____________________________________________________________________

Additional Comments: _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RETURNING SUMMER STUDENT - 2011 APPLICATION FORM

Office Use Only:

Re-Interview Date: ___________________________________________________________________

Placement this Year:__________________________________________________________________

Shift: Day ________________________________ Time: __________________________________

Training: ___________________________________________________________________________

Yes I am interested in volunteering and earning extra hours. Please send me more information on the

following short term volunteer opportunities.

V o l u n t e e r O p p o r t u n i t i e s

The Markham Fair: Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Mark-

ham Fair during September 30 –October 3 , 2010. Volunteers will serve as ambassadors of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Information Booth: greeting people, offering print information about the hospital, and doing

occasional guest appearances as Doctor Bear.

Other Hospital / Foundation Events: Volunteers are needed for

various events that will run throughout the year, such as the Angus Glen Half Marathon (November 7, 2010), Angus Glen Harvest Ride (October 17,2010), Hospital Gala (April 1st, 2011) and the Legacy 5K Run/Walk (April 17, 2011).

Name: __________________________

Phone #: ________________________

Email: __________________________

Former Volunteer Positions:

________________________________

________________________________

Give us some

feedback! Check the

next page for the

Summer Student

Volunteer program

evaluation…

Summer Student Evaluation of the Volunteer Program

As a Summer Student volunteer with Markham Stouffville Hospital, we wish to make your contribution a

great one. As part of our effort to improve the Summer Student volunteer program, we would appreciate your response to the following questions. All questionnaires will be kept confidential. Your name is not required, unless you wish to include it on this form.

1. How many summers have you been volunteering at MSH?

2. What areas did you volunteer in?

3. Do you find that staff were receptive and friendly?

Very Receptive __ Generally with a few exceptions __ Mixed __ Not receptive __

4. Do you feel you contribution to the hospital was valued?

Yes __ Generally with a few exceptions __ Mixed __Not receptive __

5. Did your volunteer experience meet your needs as a volunteer?

Yes __ Somewhat __ Not at all __

6. Three orientation sessions were scheduled for summer student volunteers (May 28th and July 7 and July 28th). Were you able to attend?

If yes, do you feel that you received sufficient orientation prior to starting your placement? Yes __ Somewhat __ Not at all __

I was not able attend, why? ____________________________________________________________________

7. Do you feel that as a Summer Student Volunteer you received adequate training to carry out their as-signments?

Yes __ No __

8. Do you feel comfortable about discussing concerns with the staff in the Community Resources Depart-ment?

Yes __ Somewhat __ Not at all __

9. Would you recommend to friends or family members that the Hospital is a good place to volunteer?

Yes __ No __

10. Did you enjoy the extra-curricular activities (ex. Car wash, Workshops, and MCAT info session, etc.)?

Yes __ Somewhat __ Not at all __ Not able to Comment __

11. How would you rate the Summer Student volunteer program?

(Please circle. 1=Poor, 10= Great)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

12. How would you improve the Summer Student Volunteer program?

13. Any Additional Comments?

PAGE 6