Gratitude overflows every day in bustling gathering places and quiet spaces of Kelowna General Hospital.

Pure gratitude shines through the 435-strong volunteer workforce, the backbone of the KGH Foundation’s business enterprises. Every four-hour volunteer shift represents an $84 donation to the Foundation, which has an immense impact on the quality of health care that KGH is capable of delivering to the community.

“We couldn’t do any of this without the volunteers,” admitted Nancy Wells, Director of Business Enterprises at the KGH Foundation. “We wouldn’t even try!”

Photo Credit: Contributed

The volunteers at KGH range in age from mid-teens to 90 years old, and each volunteer has their own unique motivation to give back to the community. The one thing they all have in common, however, is that they’re not doing it for the payback — at least not in the traditional sense. The payback is intangible.

“Our mission is to help the needy and cheer the downhearted,” said Tucker Haynes, a young man from Michigan who volunteers at KGH as part of the Civilian Public Service (CPS) program, funded and managed by the Church in Christ Mennonite.

Haynes is one of several young men who have travelled to Kelowna from across North America to volunteer through the CPS program. They have become favourites within the KGH volunteer community, and can be found working in the Perking Lot, Royal Bistro, Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department and more.

“They are gentle, funny, engaging and deeply compassionate,“ said Wells. “Their youth and energy really helps the older volunteers with the duties in the Perking Lot and the Royal Bistro.”

Despite all that they give to support KGH, they express profound gratitude for the opportunity.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“I am thankful that Kelowna General and the KGH Foundation gives people the opportunity to volunteer, “ said Trevor Wiebe from Kansas. “It’s very rewarding giving others a helping hand.”

“It’s good work and I can tell I will really enjoy my time volunteering here,” added Haynes. “I’m a lucky guy and it’s a great feeling to be able to give back.”

Another volunteer, Rhonda Raddatz, participates as a short order cook at the Royal Bistro. She originally decided to volunteer as a way to keep busy after she retired, and also because it’s a great cause.

“The funds from the Bistro go to buying equipment and funding programs that might not happen without volunteers,” said Raddatz. “I get to work with fun people and the patients, visitors and hospital know we are volunteers and they really appreciate what we do.”

“Some of the volunteers are in their eighties and have been doing it for 20 years. They are so amazing and inspiring,” added Raddatz. “We are really busy and can always use more volunteers — especially cooks! If I can do it, anyone can. I highly recommend it.”

Photo Credit: Contributed

While the positive financial impact is undeniable (last year, KGH Foundation volunteers alone were responsible for raising over $850,000), it’s not all that the volunteers offer. These kind-hearted individuals seize the opportunity to brighten the day for hospital staff, patients and their families.

Every KGH Foundation volunteer is a moving part of something bigger, and there are opportunities available to accommodate all sorts of skills, interests and schedules.

As fall approaches, Wells and her team are anticipating the annual snowbird migration to temporarily shrink volunteer numbers. So they are pro-actively inviting applications from new recruits for the following positions:

The Royal Bistro

If you love to cook, the Royal Bistro is the place for you! They are on the lookout for short order cooks or volunteers who enjoy cooking. The Bistro is also searching for people who enjoy connecting with others to works as cashiers, serve soup and sandwiches and work spares.

The Perking Lot

Are you a morning person? The Perking Lot is looking for volunteers to work morning shifts and spares for day shifts. Become a barista and serve up tasty beverages, work the cash register and spend your day making people happy!

The Gift Shop

The Gift Shop has openings for weekend retail sales clerks. This is a great role for those who enjoy interacting with people and are comfortable handling cash and credit card sales.

Rutland Thrift Shop

All sorts of positions are waiting to be filled at Rutland Thrift Shop. Volunteers can receive donations, sort clothing and serve customers. People who are handy and good with electronics, as well as those with a background in merchandising and customer service are most welcome.

For more information about available volunteer positions and hours, please contact Nancy Wells, Director of Business Enterprises at nancy.wells@interiorhealth.ca or 250-862-4300 ext. 7497. You can also learn more at the website here.