In a healthcare landscape often overshadowed by clinical procedures and medical jargon, the warmth of human connection can make all the difference. Lydia Canning, a former patient of the Hospital for Sick Children, now dedicates her time to the very organisation that once provided her solace during her childhood battles with illness. At 76, Canning is not only the newly appointed president of the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV), but also a testament to the enduring impact of volunteerism in healthcare.
A Journey from Patient to Caregiver
Canning’s experiences as a child patient at SickKids remain etched in her memory, not for the medical treatments she underwent, but for the kindness of the volunteers. “Those memories have faded,” she recalls, “And the good memories have come to the forefront.” The WAV, founded in 1950, is a women-only group that has become synonymous with compassionate care at SickKids, providing emotional support and fun distractions to young patients during their darkest hours.
The importance of volunteer contributions in Canadian healthcare cannot be overstated. Operating alongside medical professionals, volunteers address the emotional and human needs of patients and their families, even as statistics reveal a worrying decline in volunteerism. Recent data from Statistics Canada reports an 8 per cent drop in volunteering rates from 2013 to 2018, with hospital volunteer hours plummeting by an alarming 47 per cent. Yet, in 2023, Canadians still committed 35 million hours to hospitals across the country, highlighting the resilience of those willing to give their time and energy.
The Historical Context of Volunteerism
The WAV stands as a beacon of volunteerism in Canada, tracing its roots back to the establishment of the country’s first hospital auxiliary in 1865. SickKids itself owes its existence to a dedicated group of women who formed a “Ladies Committee” that rented a house to care for sick children in 1875. The auxiliary has since evolved, raising over $23 million in the last three decades alone, funding crucial research and supporting the hospital’s ongoing initiatives.
Canning’s own journey back to SickKids began in 1984 when she returned as a parent, eager to give back. “Where do I apply?” she asked a volunteer at the hospital. Little did she know, she was signing up for the same auxiliary that had once brought her joy. For the past 35 years, she has volunteered in the surgical waiting room, where her role extends beyond mere logistics. Canning serves as a comforting presence, providing support to anxious families during pivotal moments.
The Unique Value of Volunteers
Volunteers like Canning and her colleagues offer a unique brand of care that complements medical treatment. They provide emotional support, practical assistance, and even a little fun—like the popular Bugs Bunny crafts that once brightened Canning’s hospital days. Their presence is crucial, particularly in moments of uncertainty when families feel vulnerable and alone.
Dr. James Rutka, a neurosurgeon at SickKids, emphasizes the importance of volunteers in the hospital setting. “They would go above and beyond their duties to make sure that the message from the surgeon is delivered to the families,” he says. Such personal touches—like tracking down parents during surgeries or offering a comforting snack—are what set volunteer care apart.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, membership in the WAV is gradually recovering, with around 220 active members currently compared to 254 in 2019. The auxiliary remains steadfast in its mission, ensuring that the warmth and care it is known for continue to flourish.
Why it Matters
The contributions of the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers at SickKids Hospital highlight a fundamental truth about healthcare: it is not solely about medical expertise but also about human compassion. In times of distress, the emotional support provided by volunteers can be as crucial as the treatments administered by doctors and nurses. As Canning and her fellow volunteers navigate the complexities of hospital life, they embody the spirit of community care, reminding us that in the heart of a healthcare system, it is often the smallest gestures of kindness that leave the most lasting impressions.
