Recognition

Throughout the year, the Hospice hosts a variety of events that bring our volunteers together and give us an opportunity to say "thank you". We host an annual Volunteer Barbecue and in December we gather to celebrate the end-of- year holidays. We regularly nominate our volunteers for for both city and province-wide awards.

Here is a sampling of the awards:                                                                  

June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Hospice Volunteers

• Hannah Fisher 2007 inductee
  Hannah is the quintessential volunteer.  For 13 years, she has helped with the volunteer program, client program and the reception desk. She always has a smile and a kind word for everyone. No task is too insignificant or ever refused. She opens doors and facilitates partnerships with individuals and organizations in our community. During her years of service with the hospice we have undergone tremendous change and Hannah has thrived in that environment, finding ways to redefine her role and remain a crucial asset to the organization. We believe she is the embodiment of an ideal volunteer.
  
• Terry Cooke 2006 inductee
  Terry Cooke recorded the highest number of hours of any of our in-home client support volunteers over the past year. Terry says: "I promised myself I would volunteer in palliative care when I retired and The Dorothy Ley Hospice has given me that opportunity." We are so glad she did.
  
• Margaret Zabel 2005 inductee
  Margaret Zabel knew what she wanted to do when she retired. In 2000, one week following her retirement, she was at the Hospice office filling out her volunteer application. With Margaret's calm and relaxing way, her pleasant smile and soft manners, she is often assigned the more challenging cases.
  
• George Kobelak 2004 inductee
  In 2004, The Dorothy Ley Hospice proudly presented George Kobelak to be inducted into the prestigious June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers. George has been a Hospice volunteer since 2001 and exemplifies the spirit of voluntarism and commitment.
  
• Helene Maxwell 2003 inductee
  The day Helene first met with us to volunteer her services happened to be the day of our annual Christmas party. Over the years, Helene has proved to be a most valuable Christmas gift to us. A gift we rely on whenever hard work is needed or deadlines are pressing.
  
• Anna D'Agostino 2002 inductee
  Anna has been a volunteer with The Dorothy Ley Hospice since 1997. Wherever there was a need, Anna would not hesitate to fill it. Anna is a strong proponent of Hospice and a great recruiter of volunteers. The honour is well deserved.
  
• Ann O'Brien 2001 inductee
  Ann's dedication and commitment make her deserving of this award and the thanks of her clients and The Dorothy Ley Hospice. Her caring and warm attitude and listening skils come naturally. She says her biggest reward is the smiles on the faces of her bereavement clients.

Toronto Community Service Volunteer Awards 2003

• Josephine George
  Josephine is a passionate and compassionate woman who exudes courage, strength and love. Wherever there is a need, she fills it. An empathetic listener, eternal optimist and energetic worker she is a magnet for those in need of support.

Volunteer Centre of Toronto Award

• Diane Pettet 2003 Award
  James Karl Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented this award. Diane has been a part of The Dorothy Ley Hospice for over 10 years. In 1994, she began working with the Hospice as a client support volunteer. In 1997, she helped start the Day Program and since has become one of the core program volunteers. 
  
• Elizabeth (Liz) Corneil 2002 Award
  The Honourable Hillary Weston, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented this award. When one is coping with a terminally ill family member and calls for Hospice help, we often ask Liz to make the initial visit. Liz is a caring and sympathetic person with a wonderful sense of humour. She offers comfort and understanding with respect and dignity and does her utmost to quell their fears.

Volunteer Service Awards sponsored by the Government of Ontario

Thinking of Volunteering?  Join us at the next Volunteer Information Session.  Click here for detials.