Our client program volunteers are an essential piece of Holland Bloorview’s landscape and play an integral role in creating a world of possibility for clients and families. Our volunteers are from all walks of life— high school students and retirees, newcomers to Canada and past clients, working professionals and aspiring health care workers! While helping others, they also gain valuable hands-on experience in a pediatric health care setting. Let’s meet some of our client program volunteers and hear about their journey to Holland Bloorview and their experiences working directly with clients and families.

What program(s) are you volunteering with this summer?

	Rita: I’m volunteering in the inpatient therapeutic recreation (TR) program for complex continuing care (CCC), or I help in the therapeutic playroom, or wherever else help is needed.
	Aiden: I am volunteering this summer with inpatient robotics and TR BIRT/SODR (brain injury rehab/specialized orthopedic & developmental rehabilitation).
	Addison: This summer I have continued volunteering in the TR BIRT/SODR program, but I was also provided with the amazing opportunity to volunteer in the Helping Hand program.
	Simone: This summer I will be volunteering with the Spiral Garden.

Why did you choose to volunteer at Holland Bloorview, and how did you first get involved?

Rita: Losing my husband last year was very hard for me. I needed to get out of the house and do something productive, and I wanted to use my experiences of looking after my husband with others who needed help.

Simone: When I was a Spiral Garden participant, the volunteers were important in creating an impactful experience for me. I chose to volunteer so I could create an experience like that for future clients.

What has been your most memorable experience as a volunteer, and why?

Aiden: In outpatient robotics, I got to take part in a client’s learning by equipping him with the tools to tackle a tough problem with the mechanics and watch him experience the payoff of persevering.

Addison: During the pandemic, one client would show up to the program with such positive energy. I loved that we still enjoyed playing games together even during a time of uncertainty.

What are some of the things that you have learned about yourself while volunteering at Holland Bloorview?

Rita: Volunteering has given me happiness and gratitude, and hope for a better and healthy future for myself and everyone else.

Aiden: I've found that my time volunteering has been a great way to remind myself that I play a part in a greater whole that can only be achieved cooperatively.

What are some of your goals as a volunteer, and how do you hope to make an impact in the future?

Addison: As a volunteer, I want to create a space for clients to have fun, look forward to self-improvement, and feel welcomed and safe.

Simone: I want to work on always being open minded and putting the person before their disability, to effectively learn how to communicate without relying on verbal communication and become more of an advocate for accessibility and inclusion.

Aiden, Addison, Simone and Rita are just a few examples of our incredible client program volunteers. If you would like to join the team, we would love to have you! We are currently recruiting for year-round opportunities for our client programs. To learn more and to apply to be a volunteer, visit our website.