Passion Ignites Volunteerism in Palliative Care
Across Canada, National Volunteer Week (April 19 – 25) 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 20 individual committees 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)
The theme of National Volunteer Week “Ignite Volunteerism” is about inspiring Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. These goals are demonstrated amongst our specialized palliative care volunteers every day. Our volunteers offer client companionship, caregiver respite, relevant 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. In 2025, volunteers contributed over 4,000 hours in support of palliative care in our region! “After having gone through the loss of my daughter, the grieving process has taught me that giving back can help recovery. I volunteer with Palliative patients to help them through the end of life process by being an eager listener and a comfort to them and their loved ones”. (Linda, Palliative Care Volunteer)
Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers from the following Palliative Care Committees: Birtle, Boissevain, Carberry, Dauphin, Deloraine, Erickson and District, Glenboro, Hamiota, Killarney, Melita, Minnedosa, Neepawa and District, Reston, Riverdale, Rossburn, Russell, Shoal Lake, Souris, Virden and Westman Hospice (Brandon).
In addition to our invaluable volunteer committees that reach across the region, we recognize the over 20 volunteers involved in the realization of Camp Bridges each year. The annual grief and bereavement camp for children and youth would not be possible without the committed individuals who come together for one memorable weekend each year to provide campers with a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their grief through community and memorial activities. Also, with the help of these volunteers, the campers participate in activities such as horseback riding and ziplining, where they are reminded that there is space for them to just be kids and have fun. Thank you. If you would like to learn more about the Palliative Care Volunteer Program, please contact the Palliative Care Volunteer & Bereavement Coordinator, Hope Roberts, 204-578-2310 or visit our website.