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
Our volunteers are interviewed, screened and trained in order to provide the best quality care to our residents and families. They are a part of the multidisciplinary care team involved in the resident’s care.
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/carers 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’.
One of the best ways to get involved is to attend a volunteer information session.
Volunteer Recruitment
Please contact Kimberly if you would be interested in hearing about our volunteer programs. We will cover the role of volunteers, the training session and requirements for volunteering. Come to visit, have a coffee and a chat! You will receive information about the police check process (we have a form) as well as the opportunity to sign up for an interview. Email jblack@mcnallyhousehosp.com
Apply to Become a Volunteer
Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. They serve in many ways:
- Residential Volunteers (Reception, Kitchen, Resident Care)
- Bereavement Support / Groups, Wellness Activities
- Fundraising
- Office Support
- Complimentary Services (Massage etc)
- Special Events
- Grounds and Building Maintenance, Gardening space
Current Opportunities
We are currently recruiting for Residential Volunteers and Bereavement Support.
Training Courses
Training will commence in Spring 2021(TBD) and we encourage you to contact us using the application form above.
What training & preparation is required?
Introductory training is required. The length of the course is 42 hours and it is offered free to potential McNally House volunteers.
Some of the topics of study for the residential program include:
- Introduction to Palliative Care
- Emotional + Psychological Issues with Death and Dying
- Spirituality
- Self Care for Volunteers (stress management)
- Grief, Loss and Bereavement
- Palliative Ethics
- Empathetic Communication
- Nutrition
- Responsibility of the Volunteer
Volunteers do not write a test, but must attend the whole course. Sessions are mandatory and participants should plan to attend every session. Donations towards the course + materials are appreciated. In special circumstances: first 5 sessions are MANDATORY, as is session 10. Online supplements for other sessions available **
Volunteers specifically needed for alternate Friday 4-7 shifts, Alternate Saturday 4-7, Saturday 8-12 and 12-4. Sunday 12-4, Sunday 4-6, alternate Tuesday 12-4, Thursday 8-12.
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
t 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
2019
Karen Soles Street
McNally Residential & Bereavement Volunteer
2018
Rosemary Addison
McNally Residential & Bereavement Volunteer
2017
Ken Sheward
McNally Fundraising & Community Events Volunteer
2016
Peggy tenBrinke
McNally Bereavement & Residential Volunteer
2015
Barbara Wright
McNally Residential + Fundraising Volunteer
2014
Janice Bovine
McNally Residential Volunteer
2013
Don and Grace Roberts
McNally Residential Volunteers
2012
Cora Vanden Bogert
McNally Residential Volunteer
2011
Brian Vacon
McNally House Board of Directors
2010
Carole Menzies
McNally House Board of Directors
2009
Shirley Martin
McNally House Board of Directors
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!