GORE BAY—A very deserving volunteer has received the Circle of Excellence Award from the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home and Jarlette Health Services. As well, a volunteer in her own right, Gloria Hall, life enrichment coordinator at the Lodge received a special recognition at the Lodge June Days barbecue and bake sale held last Friday.
At a ceremony held at the Lodge last Thursday morning Ms. Hall explained, “Every year we are asked to choose a volunteer for the Circle of Excellence Award. This is not an easy task as each volunteer is valued and appreciated. This year we have chosen someone who has made a difference in the lives of our residents.”
Kathi Haines moved to Manitoulin in 1979. “Our gain and New Liskeard’s loss,” said Ms. Hall. She has two children, Terri Lynn, who lives in Vancouver and Kevin, who lives in Gore Bay.
Ms. Haines previously worked at Manitoulin Transport and was a councillor for Billings Township.
“Kathi is a great friend and natural caregiver having taken her mother for a number of years, and she loves animals,” continued Ms. Hall. “The room lights up when Kathi is around with her great smile, and her unending energy. Kathi spends time with the residents, gardening and visiting. “Our courtyard is looking lovely thanks to her help and caring. She has become a wonderful pen pal. Kathi brings her tag along Pebbles her four-legged companion. The residents look forward to spending time with Pebbles.”
“Kathi is a faithful member of our volunteer team,” said Ms. Hall. “She makes fresh homemade buns for our supper club that are melt in your mouth delicious. She helps with special events and outings; often baking for whatever event is happening. Kathi also accompanies residents to medical appointments on the Angel Bus.”
This past winter Ms. Haines canvassed local businesses for sponsorship of the Lodge monthly Tim Horton’s day, Ms. Hall continued.
Heather Weatherbee, behavioural support coordinator/staffing coordinator at the Lodge told the gathering, “I am proud to be part of this celebration and recognition of a very special volunteer. This volunteer is part of the success of my program. She jumped on board with no hesitation and has given back to our residents who needed a pen pal, someone that they could bond with; and not only did she do that with an enthusiasm and passion, but she added her wonderful companion Pebbles as one of our pet therapy dogs. This special individual deserves to be recognized. Kathi thank you for everything you do here at Manitoulin Lodge.”
“Congratulations, Kathi and well deserved,” said Ms. Weatherbee.
Jaime-Lynn Kalmikov, Lodge administrator welcomed everyone to the Lodge June Days celebrations last Friday, which included the local band ‘Family Tradition’ providing the music along with the barbecue and bake sale. “Beside me is Brittany Honess, our director of care. We felt it was so important for us to come together to express our gratitude for our volunteer team.”
“We wanted to thank all our very valuable and appreciated volunteers that put in so much time, effort and energy into making this event a success,” said Ms. Kalmikov. “This event is a huge supporter for the volunteer program, who then organize activities and events for our residents.”
“The work our volunteers do is exceptional, and we truly appreciate you all and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our home,” said Ms. Kalmikov, who encouraged everyone in attendance to, “join us in a round of applause for our amazing volunteers.”
Ms. Kalmikov also recognized a very special woman, Lodge employee and community volunteer, Gloria Hall.
“We also wanted to thank one very special lady who has spent the last 37 years here at our home,” said Ms. Kalmikov. “This woman has been one of the most dedicated people in our home, spending countless hours, long hours, weekend and evening hours here to ensure all aspects and needs of our residents are met. She comes in on her holidays and her days off to ensure residents have their zoom meetings or take a resident to their appointments.”
Ms. Hall, “is the go-to person to fix your glasses, organize a volunteer for appointments and any health and safety question. She organizes all our resident activities and recruits and supports all our amazing volunteers,” continued Ms. Kalmikov. “We often refer to this woman as the ‘Heart of Manitoulin Lodge.’ Her passion is to ensure all residents, families, staff and the community have the best day and best life possible.”
“This woman not only volunteers way more time than her scheduled 40 hours here at the Lodge every week, she also volunteers her time with the Canadian Cancer Society, Warm Hearts Palliative Caregivers and Victims Services,” continued Ms. Kalmikov. “This is just a quick glimpse of the amazing contributions she is making towards our home and community.”
“So, on behalf of the entire team here at the lodge, thank you, Gloria, you are truly so appreciated and a valuable asset to our team,” said Ms. Kalmikov. She and Ms. Honess presented Ms. Hall with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “This is a very small token of our appreciation for everything you do for our home!”
Volunteers and staff of the Lodge put on the barbecue, bake sale and the band Family Tradition provided live music during the afternoon.
