In a world where hospital experiences can often feel daunting and isolating, the compassionate touch of volunteers can make a world of difference. Lydia Canning, now 76, recalls her childhood battle with a rare blood disorder, which led to prolonged stays at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Her memories may be hazy, but the joy and support provided by the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV) shines brightly in her mind. Recently appointed as president of the WAV, Canning represents a legacy of care that has transformed the experiences of countless patients and families.
A Legacy of Care and Compassion
Lydia’s journey began at just seven years old, when she faced hospitalisation for her medical condition. The vivid memories that linger from those early days are not of the pain or the procedures, but rather the joyous moments spent with the WAV volunteers. “Those memories have faded,” she reflects, “and the good memories have come to the forefront.” The volunteers were not medical professionals but rather dedicated women who provided creative distractions, such as craft projects that brought comfort amid the chaos of hospital life.
Established in 1950, the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers have long been integral to SickKids, bringing warmth and humanity to the healthcare experience. As the hospital’s oldest volunteer group, their contributions are invaluable, offering emotional support and practical assistance that medical staff often cannot provide. Yet, the landscape of volunteering in healthcare is changing, with recent statistics revealing a concerning decline in volunteerism, particularly within hospital settings.
Current Trends in Volunteerism
Statistics Canada reports an 8 per cent drop in volunteering rates from 2013 to 2018, with hospital volunteer hours experiencing a staggering 47 per cent decline. Despite these trends, Canadians dedicated 35 million hours to formal volunteering in hospitals in 2023. This unpaid labour is crucial for a healthcare system grappling with financial constraints, delivering services that span from patient care to administrative support. A 2004 study highlighted that every dollar spent on volunteer infrastructure yielded an average return of $6.84 in value, underscoring the significant impact of these altruistic efforts.
Michelle Nelson, a senior investigator at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, emphasises the role of volunteers as essential connectors in the healthcare environment. “When you see volunteers in the hospital, they’re often serving as the intermediary or connective component of creating the warm, caring, sophisticated healing systems that we’ve come to expect,” she explains.
The Role of Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers Today
Historically, women’s auxiliaries have been the backbone of hospital volunteerism in Canada, dating back to the formation of the first hospital auxiliary in 1865. The establishment of SickKids in 1875 by a “Ladies Committee” serves as a testament to the enduring influence of women volunteers in healthcare. Over the years, the WAV has grown to encompass a wide range of services, with members wearing their signature turquoise jackets while providing assistance throughout the hospital.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, membership in the WAV is recovering, with approximately 220 active members as of now. This is a significant rebound from the early pandemic years when participation dwindled, particularly among retirees, who comprise a substantial portion of the group.
Canning’s story is a poignant reminder of the cycle of care that characterises the WAV. After her own experiences as a patient, she returned to SickKids as a parent and sought to give back by joining the auxiliary. For over 35 years, she has been a comforting presence in the surgical waiting room, registering anxious families and guiding them through the often overwhelming process of care.
The Personal Impact of Volunteerism
The influence of WAV members extends beyond practical assistance; they provide emotional support that can be life-affirming. Canning recalls how she once noticed a mother struggling in the waiting room and took it upon herself to bring her a muffin and orange juice, a simple act of kindness that left a lasting impression. Many volunteers, like Canning, have personal connections to SickKids, deepening their commitment to supporting families during difficult times.
The WAV’s initiatives also include the “bravery bead” programme, which offers patients beads to commemorate significant milestones and treatments. This programme fosters a sense of achievement and recognition, making the challenging journey through illness a little more manageable.
Hugh Maw, a former patient who spent 13 years at SickKids, treasures his collection of bravery beads, each representing a procedure or milestone he has overcome. “Without the Women’s Auxiliary there, it’s missing a certain warmth,” he reflects, underscoring the emotional void left by their absence.
Why it Matters
The Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers at SickKids exemplify the profound impact that compassionate volunteerism can have on healthcare. Their unwavering dedication not only fills critical gaps in patient care but also provides an essential source of emotional support for families navigating the complexities of serious illness. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the need for such human connections becomes increasingly vital, reminding us that amidst the technological advancements in medicine, it is the kindness of volunteers that often makes the most significant difference in the lives of patients and their families.