Volunteer receives more than she gives

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Posted 5 hours ago

WHO:Sherry Cicchini

WHERE:Twice a week, Sherry spends her time in the St. Joseph's Hospice of Sarnia Lambton kitchen, baking and cooking for the residents of the hospice and for the caregiver and bereavement support group luncheons She prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner meals and bakes fresh treats for families, clients and residents.

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WHAT:St. Joseph's Hospice is a 10-bed residential hospice which provides support for persons who are terminally ill and at the end of their life, as well as support for their loved ones. This support begins at the time of diagnosis and continues throughout their illness. The hospice also offers caregiver support groups, grief and bereavement support groups and children's' support groups, as well as many complimentary services for ill clients and caregivers.

Volunteers offer support in a number of different capacities. They assist with office administration in the residence and the resource centre, assist the nursing and personal support staff with the personal care of the residents and, like Sherry, provide meals on a regular basis. Housekeeping is also needed throughout both the residence and resource centre. Other areas are currently being developed where volunteers can provide additional support, such as being a friendly visitor or by providing assistance in the grief and bereavement support programs.

WHY:Sherry began her experience as a hospice client, attending a grief and bereave-m ent support group after losing her mother and father. She valued the support she received and wanted to return the favour. Tapping into her love of the kitchen and her drive to help others, she was one of the first kitchen volunteers. She values her time there and firmly believes she receives more from her efforts than she gives.

GET INVOLVED:In order to maintain and support the hospice, this non-profit organization needs over 400 volunteers to assist in all areas. Much like a personal home, there are many facets to maintaining the residential home as well as the resource centre. Although there are currently over 300 hospice volunteers, both needs and demands are growing on a daily basis. With spring just around the corner, gardening enthusiasts and volunteers to assist in fundraising efforts and general building maintenance and upkeep will be required.

If you would like to volunteer at the hospice in any capacity, contact Volunteer Coordinator Bernadette Burrowes by calling 519-337-0537 or by e-mailing bburrowes@stjosephshospice.ca.

St. Joseph's Hospice is located at 475 N. Christina St. in Sarnia.

Posted via email from Hospice Volunteer Training Online