Volunteers make waves within Prairie Mountain Health
Volunteers make waves within Prairie Mountain Health
National Volunteer Week is celebrated this year from April 27- May 3, 2025. Volunteers undoubtedly make a difference in the health and well-being of the residents, patients, and clients within the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is “Volunteers Make Waves”.It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is ‘movement building’.
“PMH sincerely values contributions made by our communities and stakeholders to our healthcare system not only during this national recognition week, but year-round,” says PMH CEO Treena Slate. “Volunteers and volunteer organizations continue to play a significant role as part of our PMH team. Like the lapping waves that ripple across the many lakes in our region, each volunteer contribution creates momentum, which inspires strength and resilience to the people we serve”
Within PMH region, volunteers support personal care homes, hospitals, and community health programs across the region. Over the last year, PMH healthcare volunteers have put in a collective total of over 40,000 hours! Some notable examples include:
Volunteers serve every personal care home within PMH, providing residents companionship, entertainment and assistance.
Dedicated volunteers support the Palliative Care Program.
Pet Therapy Dogs/handlers (PATDogs Team) who take time from their day to bring smiles to the patients and residents in hospitals and Personal Care Homes. The PATDogs program has grown from three Therapy dog teams to 45 teams in the last three years.
Volunteers participate on local boards, foundations, auxiliary organizations and health care action committees, many of which raise funds that are put towards much-needed equipment purchases.
Dedicated volunteers assist the Meals on Wheels program and harm reduction initiatives throughout the region.
Volunteers assist with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
“On behalf of our board, staff and physicians, we very much appreciate and acknowledge all of our volunteers who selflessly share their time, knowledge, empathy and creativity which remains vital to inclusivity, intensity and the well-being of our communities,” Slate stated.
Swan River’s Meals on Wheels is putting out another urgent call for volunteers. A shortage of program volunteers to deliver meals to eligible clients has led to several gaps in scheduling over the next few months.
“Starting this month (February), we currently have twelve weeks with no volunteer drivers scheduled in the 2025 year,” stated Shantelle Rosteski, Nutrition Services Manager for Swan River. “We currently have 17 clients that are really dependent on receiving meals”
Program volunteers deliver meals to eligible clients who are generally unable to prepare food for themselves due to age, illness or disability, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Unfortunately, the program is struggling to maintain an adequate volunteer base. In Swan River, the meals are delivered three times a week- Monday, Wednesday and Friday (meals are picked up at 11:15 for lunch).
“We could sure use more volunteers especially for a week or two at a time, as some of these blocks of time throughout the year are still open and very much needed for scheduling purposes right now,” Rosteski said.
“Besides individuals, we urge organizations and groups to also consider participating for blocks of time. But, we also could use casual back up drivers if we have any cancellations, so every bit of volunteer time will really help!”
Rosteski passed along a sincere thank you to all the past and present volunteers, as well as Services to Seniors, who have been involved with the program.
Meals on Wheels is a program that offers a full, warm nutritious meal delivered to a client, for a small fee, at their home. Prairie Mountain Health, Nutrition Services at Swan Valley Health Centre, partners with Services to Seniors in Swan River to coordinate the program. Nutrition services prepares the meals, and works together with Services to Seniors with the volunteer delivery schedule.
Further questions and answers:
Who can you contact to sign up volunteer to deliver meals? In Swan River, you can contact the Services to Seniors Program at (204) 734-5707.
What is required of volunteers to do the job? There are some application sheets to fill out for those volunteering for the program. If volunteers have any specific questions they can contact Services to Seniors at the number above.
17th Annual Camp Bridges Weekend Set for Circle Square Ranch, Austin MB
17th Annual Camp Bridges Weekend Set for Circle Square Ranch, Austin MB
Prairie Mountain Health is organizing the 17th annual Camp Bridges, a weekend camp for bereaved children and teens. Camp Bridges will be held at Circle Square Ranch, Austin MB on May 23, 24 and 25, 2025. The goal of Camp Bridges is to support children and teens with their grief and bereavement. This is achieved through activities designed to help share grief and honour memories in a caring community environment.
Camp Bridges provides a safe, supportive and fun environment where grieving children and teens learn that they are not alone in their grief and are free to share their thoughts and feelings with peers who are going through a similar experience. The camp is intended to complement existing bereavement services for children and teens by providing a weekend of “caring, sharing and memories”.
Camp Bridges accepts up to 40 applicants each year. Children and youth between the ages of 7-15 years of age, who reside in Manitoba, are welcome to apply. The application deadline is April 23, 2025.
Volunteers are needed for Camp Bridges 2024. Volunteering is a rewarding experience that makes a difference in the lives of children and youth. . The application deadline for volunteers is March 17th, 2025.
Donations are being accepted to cover the cost of camp rental, meals and activities, so that campers may attend at no cost. If you wish to donate to Camp Bridges please contact Melissa Peters.
Camper and volunteer applications are available on our website. For more information please contact committee members as listed below. Thank you.
Give the gift of your time during this festive season
Give the gift of your time during this festive season
During this holiday season, the spirit of giving is all around us. The festive season offers a chance to spread some cheer not only during the Christmas season but perhaps during periods throughout the year as well. This would be an excellent time to consider being a volunteer within a Personal Care Home (PCH) within the health region. Volunteering in a PCH is meaningful in that it improves the lives of both residents and the volunteers. And it will give you a feeling of joy to know you are making a difference!
There are many different ways you can make an impact at the PCH. Some examples are assisting residents to play bingo, playing a card game with a resident, assisting recreational staff at programs such as bowling, parties and more, or register to be a friendly visitor. The possibilities on how one can make a positive impact is endless.
Volunteering at a PCH provides a unique opportunity to create meaningful connections with residents. Volunteering your time to sit down with a resident to talk and listen to their stories, laugh together during an activity or just to offer a comforting presence, can create strong, lasting bonds and friendships. Companionship from a volunteer enriches the lives of the residents in the facility with a positive impact. Volunteers in a PCH are a very important part of the Health Care Team.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in a Personal Care Home, contact Prairie Mountain Health at [email protected] or please stop in at a facility and pick up a volunteer registration form from recreation staff.
On behalf of the PMH volunteer program, we thank our volunteers past and present for all that they do for our patients, residents and staff. Happy holidays to everyone! All the best in 2025!
December 5th is International Volunteer Day, Prairie Mountain Health Volunteer Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers. Your unwavering dedication, selflessness, and compassion make a tremendous impact on our community, and we are truly grateful for the time, energy, and care you give.
Your contributions help us provide the highest level of service, and your efforts inspire all of us to continue making a difference. Today, we celebrate YOU and the incredible work you do every day.
Thank you for being a vital part of the PMH family and for helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Prairie Mountain Health would like to thank the following people and businesses for helping make our Spread the Warmth campaign a success at the November 22nd Brandon Wheat Kings game!
Thank you to all attendees who brought donations! We collected new mitts, gloves, toques, socks and underwear to help our more vulnerable population during the cold winter months. The items collected will be given out to our various programs and services, such as our Emergency Departments, 7th Street Health Access Centre and Public and Mental Health offices.
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for our gift basket; the money raised will be used to purchase hygiene products and other necessities to help people in the community.
Thank you to the following businesses for their generous donations toward the Spread the Warmth prize pack that was given to lucky winner Marilyn!
MCM Architects
Heritage CO-OP
Shoppers Mall Brandon
Forbidden Flavours
SKIN Clinics Brandon
Thank you to our volunteers for helping at the game!
Congratulation Marilyn on winning the prize pack!
Prize pack winner Marilyn Mosset, accepting prize from PMH staff member Lacey Shannon of Melita.
November 21st, 2024, is Children’s Grief Awareness Day, a day dedicated to helping people learn about the ways they can support a grieving child. In Canada, over 757,000 children will experience the death of someone in their extended family, with 1 in 14 experiencing the death of a parent or sibling. In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, the Prairie Mountain Health Palliative Care team would like to share information about our children’s grief program, Camp Bridges.
Camp Bridges 2024 began with a surprise late May snowstorm, but that didn’t stop 32 children and youth from attending grief camp. Despite the chilly weather, Campers enjoyed the whole camp experience, including a campfire with smores, staying up late into the night, giggling, and doing fun activities like ziplining and horseback riding. While their toes were cold, their hearts were warmed with the knowledge that they were not alone in their experience of the death of someone that they love.
Camp Bridges is a children’s bereavement camp organized by the Palliative Care Program at Prairie Mountain Health. It is open to any child in Manitoba, aged 7-15 years old, who is grieving the death of someone significant in their life. Camp Bridges provides a safe environment where campers can interact and share their feelings with other children in similar circumstances. While the camp is not designed to provide grief therapy, Campers learn to understand their grief as a normal experience, recognize they are not alone and have the chance to “just be a kid again.”
In 2024, Camp Bridges was hosted at Circle Square Ranch, a beautiful Western-inspired campground with friendly animals and many fun activities. Upon arrival, Campers were welcomed by smiling volunteers. They had the opportunity to choose from an assortment of donated comfort items, including a hand-made blanket/stuffy from Project Linus, a knitted hug scarf from Palliative Manitoba and a bag of camping goodies from Shine Through The Rain Foundation. Campers said goodbye to parents and caregivers, who were sent home with a resource package to help them understand and support their child’s grief.
After checking in, Campers head to their cabins to unpack and get to know their cabin mates. It is astonishing how quickly the children form bonds with each other by sharing their names and why they came to this special camp. Campers are invited to create a picture frame and display a photo of their person on the Table of Memories. This activity allows children to talk about the person who died, share favourite memories and form connections with other grieving children. As they look upon the table, filled with photos of parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and other important people, they know they are not alone in the experience of losing someone special.
Camp Bridges offers everything expected from a summer camp, including ziplining, archery, mess hall meals, horseback riding, outdoor games and lots of laughter and fun. Thankfully, the weather warmed up, and the Campers could enjoy all the different activities offered. Sprinkled in alongside are memorial activities that teach children about grief, allow them to acknowledge their loss and find support in one another and camp volunteers.
Memorial activities include creating a memory box, writing on HOPE stones and sewing a pillow made from their loved one’s clothing. As an annual Camp Bridges tradition, a memorial service is held where children can light a candle for their special person in a space of shared reflection, empathy and support. These activities help children maintain a continued connection with the person who died and let them know that death ‘ends life, but not love.’
Campers had the opportunity to participate in sessions to help them with grief, which included dog therapy, movement and breathwork exercises, and take-home coping skills stations. These activities help children connect to their emotions and express them through creative outlets, physical movement and improved grief literacy skills. Children learn that grief is a natural and normal response to loss and that expressing their feelings can help.
Finally, it was time to close out Camp Bridges with a butterfly release ceremony. The sun shone brightly as the Campers and their families gathered in a large circle to release Monarch butterflies. In that moment of watching the butterflies take flight, one could grasp the profound impact Camp Bridges had on these young grievers and their families.
Camp Bridges is facilitated by a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time, energy and heart to create a warm, fun-filled atmosphere. Fourteen cabin leaders ensure Campers attend scheduled activities and provide care and guidance throughout the weekend. A second crew of ten volunteers help children sew memory pillows, a treasured keepsake that will comfort them for years to come. Volunteers are trained in recognizing and supporting the unique ways that children grieve. Finally, Camp Coordinators made up of staff from PMH Palliative Care, provide camp oversight and nursing duties for the weekend. If you are interested in volunteering with Camp Bridges 2024, please contact Carla Mitchell at 204-578-2310 or [email protected].
Camp Bridges is thankful to all the special people who make this camp possible! Due to the generous donations received, we can offer Camp Bridges free of charge for 40 campers each year. In 2024, the number of applications received exceeded the available spots, highlighting the continued need for children’s bereavement support services. We are grateful to the individuals, organizations, community service groups and palliative care volunteer committees who contributed financially. If you want to donate to Camp Bridges, please contact Melissa Peters at 204-578-2340 or [email protected]. Income tax receipts are issued for donations.
To learn more about Camp Bridges or to find additional resources to support grieving children, visit our website. Please note: Camp Bridges 2025 applications will be available in January 2025.
PMH recognizes National Volunteer Week | April 14-20, 2024
PMH recognizes National Volunteer Week | April 14-20, 2024
Written March 27, 2024
National Volunteer Week is celebrated this year from April 14-20, 2024. Volunteers undoubtedly make a difference in the health and well-being of the residents, patients, and clients that we serve within the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. Over the last year, our healthcare volunteers have put in a collective total of over 37,000 hours!
“PMH sincerely values contributions made by our communities and stakeholders to our healthcare system,” says PMH Board of Directors Chair Lon Cullen. “Volunteers and volunteer organizations continue to play a significant role with our PMH team in supporting our Regional Vision of ‘Health and Wellness for All.’ We acknowledge and appreciate the heartfelt contributions that volunteers and volunteer organizations make directly or indirectly year-round!
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is “Every Moment Matters.” It highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a time when we need support more than ever. Sharing time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our communities.
Volunteers support our personal care homes, hospitals, and community health programs across the region. Some examples include:
Volunteers serve every personal care home within PMH, providing our residents companionship, entertainment and assistance.
Dedicated volunteers who support the Palliative Care Program.
A dedicated group of Pet Therapy Dogs/handlers (PATDogs Team) who take time from their day to bring smiles to the patients and residents in hospitals and Personal Care Homes. The PATDogs program was implemented in 2022 and has grown from three Therapy dog teams to 24 teams.
Volunteers participate in local boards, foundations, auxiliary organizations, and other community meal and harm reduction programs.
Volunteers assist with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
These are just a few highlights of volunteer participation, dedication and commitment. It would be challenging to cover all the examples of how people selflessly give up their time.
“We very much appreciate our volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge, compassion and heart to helping Prairie Mountain Health,” stated PMH CEO Brian Schoonbaert. “On behalf of our board, staff and physicians, we sincerely thank you for all you do from the bottom of our hearts. If you see a volunteer, thank them for making “Every Moment Matter.”
Katherine Dwight is a dedicated volunteer for Boissevain Evergreen Place.
Katherine enjoys helping others, visiting with residents and assisting with recreation programs.
“To bring smiles to the residents is the biggest award” says Katherine.
Thankyou Katherine for your dedication to the residents and the PCH!
Eleanor is a dedicated volunteer at Rideau Park, Fairview PCH, and Minnedosa Care Home.
Eleanor began volunteering to help fill her need to do something musically.
“I love seeing a smile or hearing someone singing along.” says Eleanor.
Eleanor also enjoys singing, dancing and knitting.
Jessica is a dedicated volunteer at Rideau Park PCH.
Jessica began volunteering because she enjoys working with older people and was looking for somewhere to do that.
“Interacting with the residents is definitely my favourite thing about volunteering” says Jessica.
Jessica also enjoys cooking and baking.
Thank you Jessica for your dedication to the Residents at Rideau Park.
Alexe & Darlynne are dedicated volunteers at Dinsdale PCH & Fairview Home.
Alexe sings, and Darlynne plays piano. Together they provide wonderful music programs!
“My favourite thing about volunteering is the music & the residents – most love music. My friendship with Darlynne (pianist)…we’ve become very close.” ~Alexe~
“My favourite thing about volunteering is seeing the pleasure of residents & doing something I love!” ~Darlynne~
Alexe enjoys spending time with family, church and hobbies.
Darlynne enjoys spending time with family, church & other committees, computer skills, singing & playing, helping people who need assistance.
Thank you for sharing your love of music with residents around PMH.
Larry is a dedicated volunteer at Fairview Home.
Larry began volunteering when he saw a need for volunteers & his life changed, freeing up some time to give back to society.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is the joy & appreciation I receive from clients & staff. I always leave happier than when I arrived.”
Larry also enjoys volunteering his time with other organizations, fixing broken electrical & mechanical devices, and grandparenting.
Thank you Larry for sharing your time with Fairview Residents.
Dwayne & Anne are dedicated volunteers in Prairie Mountain Health.
Anne started volunteering when her mom was a resident at Fairview.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is working & talking with residents.”
Dwayne volunteers as a musician at Fairview, Rideau Park, & Dinsdale PCH
“My favourite thing about volunteering is playing music for the residents.”
Anne & Dwayne also enjoy curling, dancing, walking, travelling, and floor shuffling.
Thank you Dwayne & Anne for sharing your time with residents around PMH.
Melina is a dedicated volunteer at Fairview Home.
Melina began volunteering because she wanted to make a positive impact in her community. Volunteering offers opportunities to contribute her skills to meaningful places and connect with others.
“I love playing piano for the people and it’s nice knowing that some of them recognize me whenever I go now. It warms my heart every time I see them enjoy the music and the fact that my music can make them happy for that hour.”
Thank you Melina for sharing your love of music with the Residents of Fairview.
Carolyn is a dedicated volunteer at Dinsdale PCH.
Carolyn began volunteering when her mom was a resident at Dinsdale.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is socializing with the residents.”
Carolyn also enjoys jigsaw puzzles, cards and reading.
High Country Band has been sharing their love of music and friendship to residents for multiple years.
They perform monthly in the Personal Care homes in Sandy Lake, Erickson, Minnedosa and Neepawa.
Lorna McMillan is a dedicated volunteer at Delwynda Court in Deloraine with the recreation programs.
Thank you Lorna, for sharing your time with our residents.
Jan Russell is a dedicated volunteer at Rivers PCH.
Jan is a faithful recreation volunteer at Rivers PCH and loves her time volunteering and we love having her assistance and friendship!
Pictured left to right is one of our residents Louise, enjoying a game of crib with Jan.
Lenora Fassett is a dedicated volunteer at Rivers PCH.
Lenora is a faithful recreation volunteer at Rivers PCH and loves her time volunteering and we love having her assistance and friendship!
Pictured left to right is one of our residents Louise, enjoying her time with Lenora.
Camp Bridges, Love Builds Bridges Where There Are None
Camp Bridges, Love Builds Bridges Where There Are None
November 16th is Children’s Grief Awareness Day, a day dedicated to helping people learn about the ways they can support a grieving child. In Canada, over 203,000 children will experience the death of someone in their extended family; with 1 in 14 experiencing the death of a parent or sibling. In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, the Prairie Mountain Health Palliative Care Program would like to share information about Camp Bridges.
What brought together the 40 children and youth who attended Camp Bridges 2023? It may have been sitting around the fire eating smores, staying up late into the night giggling, coming up with a cabin cheer or participating in fun activities like ziplining and horseback riding. But – more likely – it was the shared knowledge that each of them has experienced the death of someone they love.
Camp Bridges is a children’s bereavement camp organized by the Palliative Care Program at Prairie Mountain Health. It is open to any child in Manitoba, aged 7-15 years old, who is grieving the death of someone significant in their life. Camp Bridges provides a safe environment where campers have the opportunity to interact and share their feelings with other children who are in similar circumstances. While the camp is not designed to provide grief therapy, Campers learn to understand their grief as a normal experience, recognize they are not alone and have the chance to “just be a kid again”.
In 2023, Camp Bridges was hosted at Circle Square Ranch, a beautiful Western-inspired space with ample sunshine and a variety of fun activities. Upon arrival, Campers were welcomed by smiling volunteers and had the opportunity to choose from an assortment of donated comfort items, including: a hand-made blanket/stuffy from Project Linus, a knitted hug scarf from Palliative Manitoba and a bag of camping goodies from Shine Through The Rain Foundation. Campers said goodbye to parents and caregivers, who were sent home with a resource package to help them understand and support their child’s grief.
After checking in, Campers head to their cabins to unpack and get to know their cabin mates. It is astonishing how quickly the children form bonds with each other by sharing their name and the reason they have come to this special camp. Campers are invited to create a picture frame and display a photo of their person on the Wall of Memories. This activity provides children with an opportunity to talk about the person who died, share favorite memories and form connections with other grieving children. As they look upon the wall, filled with photos of parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and other important people, they know they are not alone in the experience of losing someone special.
Camp Bridges offers all the things expected from a summer camp, including: ziplining, archery, mess hall meals, horseback riding, outdoor games and lots of laughter and fun. Sprinkled in alongside are memorial activities that teach children about grief, allow them to acknowledge their loss and find support in one another and camp volunteers. Memorial activities include: creating a memory box, writing on HOPE stones and sewing a pillow made from their loved one’s clothing. As an annual Camp Bridges tradition, a memorial service was held where children could light a candle for their special person in a space of shared reflection, empathy and support. These activities help children maintain a continued connection with the person who died and lets them know that death ‘ends life, but not love’.
Campers had the opportunity participate in sessions of art therapy, with Pipestone Art Therapy and music therapy, with Satori Counselling & Expressive Arts Therapy. These activities help children connect to their emotions and express them through creative outlets and physical movement. Children learn that grief is a natural and normal response to loss, and that expressing their feelings can help. Finally, it was time to close out Camp Bridges with a butterfly release ceremony. Campers and their families gathered in a large circle to release Monarch butterflies. It was in that moment of watching the butterflies take flight, that one could grasp the profound impact Camp Bridges had on these young grievers and their families.
Camp Bridges is facilitated by a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time, energy and heart to create the warm and fun-filled atmosphere. Cabin leaders are responsible for ensuring Campers get to scheduled activities and provide care and guidance throughout the weekend. A second crew of volunteers help children sew memory pillows, a treasured keepsake that will comfort them for years to come. Volunteers are trained in recognizing and supporting the unique ways that children grieve. Finally, Camp Coordinators, made up of staff from PMH Palliative Care, provide camp oversight and nursing duties for the weekend. If you are interested in volunteering with Camp Bridges 2024 please contact Carla Mitchell at 204-578-2310 or [email protected]
Camp Bridges is thankful to all of the special people who make this camp possible! Due to the generous donations received, we are able to offer Camp Bridges free of charge for 40 campers each year. In 2023, the amount of applications received well exceeded the available spots; highlighting the continued need for children’s bereavement support services. We are grateful to the individuals, organizations, community service groups and palliative care volunteer committees who contributed financially. We would also like to thank Kuiper’s Family Bakery and Co-op for donations of food and snacks. If you would like to donate to Camp Bridges, please contact Melissa Peters at 204-578-2340 or [email protected] . Income tax receipts are issued for donations.
To learn more about Camp Bridges, or find additional resources to support grieving children, visit our website. Please note: Camp Bridges 2024 applications will be available in January 2024.
Across Canada, National Volunteer Week (April 16 – 23) celebrates the individual and collective actions that volunteers participate in to create strong, interconnected and vibrant communities. The Palliative Care Volunteer Service would like to acknowledge and applaud the contributions of over 200 palliative care volunteers in many communities across Prairie Mountain Health.
The Palliative Care Volunteer Service is comprised of a network of 19 community service groups who are dedicated to the improvement of palliative care in their local community. Palliative care volunteers come alongside, and complement, the existing professional services to provide compassionate, non-medical support, to clients and families. Volunteers share a sense of interconnectedness and hold the thread of common hope, “that at some time, or in some way, we will all face the end of life; and when that time comes we will have the love and support of our family and the greater community” (Holly, Palliative Care Volunteer)
Palliative care volunteers weave professional and community based-supports together; strengthening the fabric of our community by sharing their time, talent and energy. Volunteers can be called upon to offer client companionship, caregiver respite, practical resources, end of life vigil sitting and bereavement follow-up. Volunteers also engage in activities that promote palliative care awareness, such as fundraisers, advocacy events and educational opportunities. Volunteers weave together many threads that collectively reinforce the need for palliative care and the value of a gentle touch, listening ear and a compassionate community. In 2022, volunteers contributed over 2,500 hours in support of palliative care!
Thank you to all of our vibrant and dedicated volunteers in the following service groups: Birtle Palliative Care Committee, Boissevain Palliative Care Committee, Carberry Palliative Care Committee, Deloraine Palliative Care Committee, Erickson and District Palliative Care Committee, Glenboro Palliative Care Committee, Hamiota Palliative Care Committee, Killarney Palliative Care Committee, Melita Palliative Care Committee, Minnedosa Palliative Care Committee, Neepawa and District Palliative Care Committee, Reston Palliative Care Committee, Riverdale Palliative Care Committee, Rossburn Palliative Care Committee, Russell Palliative Care Committee, Shoal Lake Palliative Care Committee, Souris Palliative Care Committee, Virden Palliative Care Committee and Westman Hospice (Brandon)
If you would like to learn more about the Palliative Care Volunteer Service please contact Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator, Carla Mitchell, 204-578-2310 or visit our website.
This year, National Volunteer Week falls during the week of April 16-22. Volunteers continue to make a significant difference in the health and well-being of our residents and the patients/clients we serve.
Recognizing and highlighting this special week provides Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) with another opportunity to celebrate and thank all of our volunteers for all they do, year-round!
This year’s theme for 2023 is ‘Volunteering Weaves Us Together.’ This reveals the importance of volunteering to the strength and vibrancy of our communities through the interconnected actions we take to support one another. These diverse forms of sharing our time, talent and energy strengthen the fabric of our community. Through volunteering, we experience our interconnectedness, making our lives more meaningful. By getting involved in various ways, we find friendship, develop trust and link our relationships. Threading these connections, we come to a sense of belonging as we contribute towards the same goals.
Prairie Mountain Health is graced with volunteers that support Long-term care, Acute care and Community Health programs across the region. We have volunteers participating on Boards, Foundations, Auxiliaries and various other community meal and harm reduction programs. All work effortlessly to further support and assist collaborative health efforts across our large region. I’m sure you have noticed through various publications and social media, how much volunteers contribute towards the purchase of approved equipment for facilities and sites. We have dedicated volunteers that support the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Palliative Care program. It would be difficult to cover all the examples how people selflessly give of their time. Amazingly, over the last year, our volunteers have put in a collective total of over 23,000 hours!
We very much appreciate our volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge, compassion and heart to helping Prairie Mountain Health. On behalf of our Board, Staff and Physicians, we sincerely thank you for all you do from the bottom of our hearts. If you see a volunteer, thank them for “weaving us together”.
Volunteers at Fairview PCH – Brandon
“Here are three examples of Fairview’s many wonderful volunteers. Arlene & Grace both play piano at Fairview, entertaining the residents. Music is a very popular program! Kathy is one of our recreation assistants—she assists regularly with birthday parties held on each of the units. Since the pandemic, our programs in long term care have changed as needed due to guidelines…but one constant is the importance of our friendly volunteers. Thank you to all of our awesome volunteers for sharing your time & talents!” – Maxine Brown, Coordinator Volunteer Services – Fairview
Arlene, Grace & Kathy
Volunteers at Westman Lab – Brandon
Westman Lab would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our volunteers! We have 7 wonderful volunteers that choose to help us!
Hazel has been with us since the fall of 2016 Cheryl started in the spring of 2017 Barb started in the fall of 2018 Penny started in the fall of 2020 Heather started in the winter of 2020 Aleeta and Amna both started in December of 2022.
We want to let you all know that we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you so much for all you do!
Healthy Baby Program
The Healthy Baby Program would like to recognize our Volunteer Hailey Pringle! Hailey is a volunteer childminder with the Healthy Baby Program in Brandon. The PMH Healthy Baby program is a community support program for parents who are expecting and for those with little ones under 1 year of age. Hailey provides childminding for parents who attend session with their preschool aged children. This allows the older children to socialize and play with other children while the parents have an opportunity to learn and spend one on one time with baby! Playing, reading, drawing and crafting are all things Hailey does in the childminding room! Hailey has been with us since September and we appreciate her dedication to the program!
Steppin’ Up with Confidence
The Steppin’ Up with Confidence program runs in many communities across PMH. It is an older adult exercise and falls prevention program, peer-led by volunteers in the communities. These Steppin’ Up leaders are all trained in the program and dedicate much time and energy to keeping our senior population moving. Classes meet once a week for an hour and along with some good exercise it is also about socialization and many laughs are had! Thanks to all of you!
Centre for Adult Psychiatry – Our Volunteers 😊
Ngaire & Tai – Pet Therapy – Ngaire has offered Pet Therapy at the Centre for Adult Psychiatry since 2016! Tai has been part of our CAP family for almost 6 years. His trading cards are a hit among the patients. A visit with Ngaire and Tai always boosts the mood rating and brings a smile to people’s faces. We cannot thank Ngaire enough for going above and beyond in providing opportunities for patients to interact with Tai during their stay at CAP. Ngaire brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion in meeting our patients needs. Thank you!
Olubukunola Otaiku ( Bukky ) – Recreation Assistant – For the past 6 months Bukky has been our weekend activities volunteer at CAP. She provided patients with the opportunity to engage in art on the weekend. Her welcoming nature and cheerful disposition are appreciated by our patients and staff. Thank you Bukky and good luck in your nursing studies.
Greeting Card Volunteer – Patients at CAP are very fortunate to receive creative and hand-written greeting cards for many occasions throughout the calendar year. Our heartfelt thank you to this thoughtful individual. You have no idea how much positive impact these cards have for individuals. Thank you!
Lyndon Bournon – Music Therapy – Lyndon offers live music at CAP a couple times each month. He often has people tapping their toes and singing along. In addition, he has also offered to provide information sessions about Adult Education opportunities in Brandon, which is his day job. Thank you Lyndon!
Debbie Fisch – Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) – Debbie has been coming to CAP for 20 plus years to provide education and information about anxiety and the support opportunities available. We value her monthly visits and her commitment to helping people who struggle with anxiety disorders. Thank you Debbie! Please check out https://adam.mb.ca
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) – ( Susan Spiropolous, Brent Rosnoski, Marian Goldstone )
CAP is fortunate to have monthly informational/educational presentations from Marian, Brent and Susan. They share personal experiences and promote living in wellness. They provide support, education, and advocacy for those living with mental illness through a wide range of peer support and other services. We value the relationship we have formed. They are always available to connect with patients in between their visits. Thank you! Be sure to check out their website: https://moodmb.ca
Lyndon Bournon – Music TherapyNgaire & Tai – Pet TherapyDebbie Fisch – Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) (Susan Spiropolous, Brent Rosnoski, Marian Goldstone)Olubukunola Otaiku (Bukky ) – Recreation Assistant
Brandon Regional Health Centre Volunteers
Thanks for everything you do!
Rose has been volunteering here for 31 years, Rose has volunteered in many departments and is currently volunteering in the gift shop. Lois has been volunteering with us for 2 years, she started during the pandemic helping in any way she could, she currently volunteers cuddling babies in our NICU and is an ambassador greeting and helping people way find.Dorothy has been a volunteer with us for 22 years! She has had many roles, she currently volunteers in the health records officeDarrell has been volunteering with us for 4 years, he currently volunteers at WMCC and is always will to help out in other roles if needed. Connie has been a volunteer with us for 5 years, Connie volunteers in our GI unit and NICU and casual WMCCCheryl has been a volunteer with us for 6 years, Volunteers in the lab and diagnostic imaging Barb has been volunteering with us for 5 years, she volunteers as a lab attendantAmanda has recently started volunteering with us and is also a PMH employee, Amanda volunteers cuddling our NICU babies!Aleeta has been volunteering with us for almost a year, Aleeta volunteers as an ambassador and lab attendant
