KDH honours its volunteers with annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea
With some attendees decked out in hats and gloves, several dozen Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) volunteers gathered at Southgate Community Church on April 19, 2018 to be honoured at the hospital’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea.
Frank J. Vassallo, KDH’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the volunteers and thanked them on behalf of all KDH staff, physicians, and the Board of Directors for their outstanding service to the hospital.
“Often your face is the first they see when patients and families come through our doors,” he noted. “Your smiles, kind words and gestures create a wonderful impression, and their visit starts off in an exemplary way,” he added.
L-R: Bev Fry, Bea Francis, Lois Nichols and Auxiliary President Connie Parsons
After plates had been filled with delicious refreshments including sandwiches, scones, tarts and other desserts, all beautifully presented on cloth-covered tables, the current Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary (KDHA) President, Connie Parsons, rose to speak. She began by thanking all the volunteers for a great year serving as their president. “I’ve gotten to know most of you personally during the year,” she said, “and it’s been a joy!”
Parsons continued with a recap of the volunteers’ efforts on behalf of the hospital in 2017, noting that the Auxiliary’s total number of members, including the Acton’s Corners unit and Hey Day volunteers, was 220 dedicated individuals. Together they gave more than 12,000 hours of their time to KDH in 2017.
In addition to providing volunteers for every area of the hospital, the KDHA raises funds for essential medical equipment. A round of applause greeted Parsons’ announcement that the organization had recently written a cheque to the hospital for $65,000 – for the fourth year in a row. Further, the Auxiliary’s total contribution since its founding in 1959 is in excess of $1.3 Million!
Parsons asked for a moment of silence to recognize volunteers who had passed away during the previous year: Judy Armstrong, Alice Ballerscheff, Steve Desjardins, and Joan Selleck.
She then presented a number of awards to members who had achieved service milestones in 2017:
- Certificates of Appreciation for five years of service were presented to James Booth, Maretta Hay, Linda Purdy, and Anne Scott.
- “V-Pins” in recognition of either 10 consecutive years of volunteer service, 1,000 hours within five years, or four years on the Executive, were awarded to Linda Carnegie, Joan Gummeson, Barb Morris, Marlene Selleck, and Lois Watts-Sculthorpe.
- Jane Wolfe received an Outstanding Service Pin for completion of a two-year term as KDHA President.
- Special mention was made of the following volunteers in recognition of copious hours of service in 2017: Bev Fry with 500 hours; Marlene Selleck with 400 hours, and Betty Beach, Sylvia Johnston and Lois Watts-Sculthorpe, each with 300 hours.
- Parsons also commended Jolene Stover, convener of the KDHA’s major annual fundraiser, Hey Day, for her tremendous effort, noting that the event will be held June 8th and 9th this year.
The tea was catered by Gypsy Rose Wedding and Event Services and organized by Pamela Lalonde, KDH’s Volunteer Coordinator. Playing guitar and singing, Hunter Lalonde provided musical entertainment that was appreciated by all in attendance.
The event concluded with Parsons sharing that the Auxiliary is in need of more volunteers; she encouraged everyone present to help spread the word. For more information about becoming a volunteer at KDH, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@kdh.on.ca
About Kemptville District Hospital
Kemptville District Hospital is Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest ranking bestowed by Accreditation Canada. Committed to building healthier communities, we are a model of hospital-led integrated health services within the provincial health system. Kemptville District Hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Ontario for both patient and employee satisfaction. We pride ourselves on being a good partner within the system. Kemptville District Hospital provides acute care hospital services, advanced orthopedic care, and primary care management services.
For further information contact:
Jenny Read, Communications Officer
T: 613-258-6133 extension 223
Email: jread@kdh.on.ca
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$13 Million
raised by the KDH Foundation
since its inception in 1979
