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In the corridors of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, a quiet revolution of care unfolds, led by a dedicated group of women whose commitment transcends the confines of traditional medical roles. The Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV) continue to provide invaluable support to patients and families, ensuring that emotional and psychological needs are met amidst the clinical challenges of healthcare. Lydia Canning, a former patient turned president of WAV, embodies this spirit of compassion, recalling her own childhood experiences and the indelible impact these volunteers had on her recovery.
A Journey Through Time
At seven years old, Lydia Canning faced a harrowing battle with a rare blood disorder, spending weeks at SickKids. Now at 76, she reflects on her childhood with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. While memories of needles and surgeries have faded, the joy brought by the “play ladies”—volunteers who provided crafts and comfort—remains vivid. “Those memories have faded,” Canning remarks. “And the good memories have come to the forefront.”
The WAV, established in 1950, emerged from a rich tradition of volunteerism in Canadian hospitals, which dates back to the formation of the first hospital auxiliary in St. Catharines in 1865. SickKids itself was founded by a group of women who took it upon themselves to create a healing environment, acting as both caregivers and advocates for their community.
The Economic Value of Volunteerism
Despite their critical role, the WAV and similar organisations face challenges. A significant decline in volunteerism has been noted, with Statistics Canada reporting an 8 per cent drop in volunteering rates from 2013 to 2018, particularly within the hospital sector, where volunteer hours plummeted by 47 per cent. However, in 2023, Canadians still devoted an impressive 35 million hours to volunteer work in hospitals, underscoring the essential nature of these contributions amidst a cash-strapped healthcare system.
A 2004 study highlighted the economic benefits of such volunteer programmes, revealing that every dollar invested in volunteer infrastructure yields an average return of $6.84 in value. This statistic only scratches the surface, as the true impact of volunteers like those at SickKids is felt in the emotional support and human connection they provide—elements that are often difficult to quantify.
Connecting Hearts and Minds
Michelle Nelson, a senior investigator at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, emphasises the importance of volunteers in creating an empathetic healthcare ecosystem. “Volunteers often serve as the connective tissue that binds the various elements of care together,” she explains. They create an environment of warmth and understanding, which is especially crucial for families navigating the complexities of illness.
The WAV’s volunteers can be found throughout SickKids, donning their signature turquoise jackets as they engage with patients and families. They run playrooms filled with toys and games, provide comforting distractions during long waits, and even assist in delivering critical information. The essence of their work lies not in performing medical tasks, but in offering emotional sanctuary during some of life’s most challenging moments.
A Personal Connection
Many volunteers, like Canning, have personal ties to SickKids, which fuels their passion for service. After returning to the hospital as a parent in 1984, Canning instinctively sought to give back, joining the very group that had once brought her joy. For 35 years, she has supported families in the surgical waiting room, acting as a comforting presence and ensuring that worried parents are informed and cared for during trying times.
Her dedication exemplifies the commitment shared by WAV members, who often go above and beyond their roles. Neurosurgeon Dr. James Rutka attests to their invaluable contributions, noting how volunteers ensure that families receive timely updates from medical staff, thus bridging the gap between clinical care and emotional support.
Why it Matters
The Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers at SickKids are more than just helpers; they are a lifeline for families facing the unthinkable. Their unwavering commitment to creating a compassionate environment underscores the vital role of emotional support in healthcare. As the landscape of volunteering continues to evolve, the WAV stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connection in healing—a reminder that, even in the most challenging times, kindness and empathy can illuminate the darkest paths. Their legacy is a clarion call for the recognition of volunteer contributions in healthcare, advocating for a system that values the heart as much as the science of medicine.
