GORE BAY—Volunteers are cherished by the residents and staff of the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home in Gore Bay.
“Volunteers are paid in six figures,” said Manitoulin Lodge resident Mamie Ann Bowerman. “In S-M-I-L-E-S.”
“Thank you to our volunteers. The smallest act of kindness is more than the grandest of intentions,” was a comment made by a resident of the Lodge as its staff and administration held a volunteer appreciation celebration last Thursday.
After Gloria Hall, activities coordinator at the Lodge welcomed everyone to the celebration, Jaime Lynn-Kalmikov, administrator of the Lodge said, “We thank all of you for joining us. We’re going to have a great afternoon showing appreciation for all our volunteers.” “We appreciate everything that you do, every day for the lodge and our residents,” said Ms. Kalmikov.
“It is great to see everyone here on this gorgeous day,” said Ms. Hall. “I want to start off by thanking each and every one for sharing your precious time by volunteering. Whether it’s with hair care helping residents to the salon to get their hair done, providing music and song for an entertaining afternoon, helping with bingo, helping residents to find numbers and pictures, ladies and men’s breakfast-a monthly event where volunteers cook and serve breakfast to our residents, pastoral care-providing weekly inspirational spiritual services, the supper club-a program in the winter where residents help with the preparation and enjoy the fruit of their labour served by the volunteers, angel bus drivers who drive our bus to various appointments and outings, angel bus companions/volunteers who accompany a resident to an appointment, special events volunteers-volunteers who help with monthly special events and days, pet therapy-volunteers who share their pets with us, one to one visitors-volunteers who visit residents, volunteers who help with outings being it picnics, dress rehearsals, community events etc. These are just a few ways that volunteers help.” Ms. Hall explained, “We have a core of volunteers who meet monthly to help plan events, the Robbie Burn’s party, Lumber Jack and Jill days, a St. Patrick’s Day party, Easter events, Mother and Father’s Day events, special teas, Canada Day celebrations, Remembrance Day, and Christmas events to name a few. We try to have at least one special event each month,” she said, pointing out, “Recently we had the pleasure of being entertained by a magician. Everyone is welcome to join the meetings or events any time.”
“Each and very one is appreciated. Many of our events wouldn’t happen without the help of volunteers,” said Ms. Hall. “It’s hard to come up with adequate words to tell you how much your support means. You are all hard working, unique and selfless individuals who make such an unforgettable difference to many.”
“Thank you for the energy and passion that you give to the residents and Manitoulin Lodge. As the saying goes, “People often forget what you said but they remember your actions and how it made them feel,” continued Ms. Hall. “You are remarkable human beings with a big heart for others. You bring positive energy to whatever you are doing. You have a heart of gold.”
“I know volunteers don’t ask for rewards, but we hope our tokens of appreciation will be a reward for you just the same,” said Ms. Hall, of the volunteer gifts loving created by the residents.
“Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, they just have the heart and make it work,” said Ms. Hall in reading a poem celebrating volunteers and the ‘Heart of Flexibility.’
During the celebrations the volunteers and residents sang three songs including ‘Que Sera Sera,’ ‘Swinging on a Star’ and ‘That’s What Friends are For.’”
Everyone then had the time to socialize and enjoy cake, goodies and refreshments.
