Volunteers
Our hospice was built by the community for the community and is supported by the community. Our volunteers are an integral part of our day to day operations. We would love to help you explore if palliative care or bereavement services are right for you!
Why You Should Volunteer Hospice
Volunteering at McNally House Hospice is very rewarding. You will meet many different types of people and form relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and caring. As a hospice volunteer you will:
- Make a difference in people’s lives
- Develop a wide network
- Develop a range of skills & experience that can be used in everyday life
- Receive ongoing education and development
- Do your part in bringing about social change
Working in palliative care is one of the most rewarding volunteer choices anyone can make. Not only does it make a huge difference to the person who is dying and their family, but also to the volunteer’s own life. Volunteers learn to cherish each day, listen deeply and value life as a gift.
How To Become A Volunteer
Anyone can volunteer – but palliative care is not for everyone!
Palliative Care volunteers are generally over the age of 18. In this work, life experiences and life skills are enormously beneficial. However, there are no formal qualifications or previous experience necessary – only the desire to be of service to palliative care patients and their families/caregivers and the willingness to learn from those they serve.
Volunteers need to be patient, flexible, non judgmental, understanding and accepting of other people’s beliefs and values. They need to be able to work within a team, and provide support & encouragement to their peers. They also need to understand and accept the philosophy of palliative care. Perhaps one of the most important criteria is that volunteers should be happy to BE with people and not feel they have to fix things. It’s about ‘presence’.
High School Students: When filling out the form on this page, please indicate “high school hours” even if you have officially finished your hours.
Volunteer Inquiries
Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. They serve in many ways:
- Hospice Residence Volunteers (Reception, Kitchen, Resident Care)
- Bereavement Support / Groups, Wellness Activities
- Fundraising
- Office Support
- Complimentary Services (Massage etc.)
- Special Events
- Grounds and Building Maintenance, and Gardening!
- Student Placements: High School, Social Service Worker, Fundraising/Events, Volunteer Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Leadership and Social Media
Current Opportunities
We are currently not recruiting at this time.
Information Sessions
There are no information sessions scheduled at this time.
Training Courses
There are no training courses scheduled at this time.
What training & preparation is required?
Introductory training is required and completed through online modules (can start anytime.) After the online modules volunteers attend our online/virtual sessions to finish training. This training is offered free to potential McNally House volunteers. Training is part of our screening process and is offered 2-3 times a year depending on interest.
Some of the topics of study for the Hospice Residence/Bereavement program include:
- Introduction to Palliative Care
- Emotional & Psychological Issues with Death and Dying
- Spirituality & Social needs of McNally residents
- Self Care for Volunteers (stress management)
- Grief, Loss and Bereavement
- Palliative Ethics
- Empathetic Communication
- Nutrition
- Responsibility of the Volunteer
- Diversity & anti-oppressive framework
- Specific McNally orientation
Volunteer Testimonials
Since retiring, I have been searching for beneficial and rewarding experiences that would also give back to the community. McNally House has been one of those experiences. After talking to friends and hearing them say “I don’t think I could do that” I thought there is only one way to find out. I signed up for the 30 hour training program and have never looked back. Additional benefit… you meet some wonderful people along the way.
Pat M joined the McNally family May 2013
After watching my dear Mom diminishing a millimeter at a time with unbelievable dignity and grace in an environment that was anything but “homey” I knew I had to do something to honour her memory. Every week that I walk into McNally she is there with me and we know that we are making a positive difference in someone else’s end of life journey.
Donna G – joined the McNally family May 2012
It has been over 5 years I have been volunteering at McNally House and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. I never really ever stepped foot into a hospice nor did I really understand what was involved. It wasn’t until experience personal loss that had a profound impact on me on so many levels. Trying to understand all the emotions and dealing with so many things all at the same time.
For me losing a loved one and seeing them take their last breath will stay with me for the rest of my life. End of life is an important part of our circle life, one we will all complete. I have been very fortunate to meet so many wonderful families who have shared many stories about their loved ones. I have been held for endless hugs and amongst many shared tears there was some laughter too. Allowing me to be part of their journey means more than I could have even imagined as a volunteer. The importance of having McNally part of our community is essential in providing the care, abundance of love needed to so many families in our community. After all… every community is a family and we should all take care of each other always. This is the house that the community built and one I am proud to be part of.
Gordana M- joined the McNally family 2008
I am a fairly new volunteer at McNally and I cannot get enough of being there. I completely enjoy the experience each and every shift I work. The Staff and the Volunteers that I have met and worked with are very helpful, supportive and without a doubt this was the best decision I made. This is a truly rewarding experience. I truly feel it is a privilege getting to be a part of the Residents life and meeting them and their Families.
Lisa H – joined the McNally family November 2013
Volunteer Recognition
The work at McNally House Hospice would not be possible without our team of skilled, dedicated and passionate volunteers.
We host an annual Volunteer Appreciation dinner to extend our gratitude. Our thanks goes out to every member of our team; from our board members, residential volunteers, maintenance team to the volunteers who support us on committees, at events and through fundraising.
June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers
2023
Cathie Comerton
Hospice Residence & Bereavement Volunteer
2022
Murray Bain
Board of Directors and Capital Campaign Volunteer
2021
Judie Herbert
Hospice Residence Volunteer
2020
Janice Kent
Hospice Residence & Bereavement Volunteer
2019
Karen Soles Street
Hospice Residence & Bereavement Volunteer
2018
Rosemary Addison
Hospice Residence Volunteers
2017
Ken Sheward
Fundraising & Community Events Volunteer
2016
Peggy tenBrinke
Hospice Residence & Bereavement Volunteer
2015
Barbara Wright
Hospice Residence & Fundraising Volunteer
2014
Janice Bovine
Hospice Residence Volunteer
2013
Don and Grace Roberts
Hospice Residence Volunteers
2012
Cora Vanden Bogert
Hospice Residence Volunteer
2011
Brian Vacon
Board of Directors Volunteer
2010
Carole Menzies
Board of Directors Volunteer
2009
Shirley Martin
Board of Directors Volunteer
This award is designed to recognize and show appreciation for those individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and community and service organizations who best exemplify vision, financial support and dedication towards fostering the true spirit of hospice palliative care in Ontario. Congratulations to our award winners!
We are grateful for the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation
