Health Minister Erin Selby marked International Volunteer Day by thanking all Manitobans who give their time to make a difference for patients and families using the health-care system.
“To the volunteers who tirelessly give their time and attention to help patients in hospitals, personal care homes along with clinics and treatment facilities, I offer my sincerest thank you and gratitude. You are making a world of difference in our health-care system and in lives of patients, their families and the community,” said Minister Selby.
In 1985, the United Nations designated Dec. 5 as International Volunteer Day to recognize the work and contributions of volunteers around the world.
“Throughout the region, there is a diverse pool of more than 6,000 volunteers helping make our hospitals, personal care homes and community health programs more welcoming and friendly by providing directions to patients and visitors, and helping support patients, clients and families in a variety of roles such as flu clinics, raising funds for patient care, participating on committees and councils, and supporting the work of staff,” said Suzie Matenchuck, volunteer co-ordinator with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “These people play an important role in supporting the values of meaningful community participation and improved health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our programs and services are greater as a result.”
According to the Statistics Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, more than 52 per cent of Manitobans 15 and over volunteered a total of 74 million hours in 2010.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the volunteer program at CancerCare Manitoba and we are very proud of the 400 volunteers who support patient care through 23,000 hours of service each year,” said Kathy Harrison, director of volunteer services at CancerCare. “We celebrate their commitment, compassion and community spirit that makes a meaningful difference to Manitobans facing cancer.”
For more information on how to volunteer and support health-care providers, patients and families, Manitobans can contact their local regional health authority.
