SPRING 2012

VOLUNTEER SERVICES BOARD 2011-2012

Past President: Janet Scrafield President: Olga Dellidonne 1st Vice-President: Sandy Walker Vice-Presidents of Equal Standing: Fran Rose Phyllis SacksRecording Secretary: Janet Scrafield Corresponding Secretary: Joy D’Andrade Treasurer/Finance: Ivy Ng Constitution: Carol UchidaGift Shop: Barbara LiddiardInformation Desk Services: Cindy BinghamIn-Patient Services: Liliane VerbeekMembership: Margaret HeylandNominating: Beverley McLeodOut-Patient Services: Margaret CarringtonMembers At Large: Sheila Baker Debbie KuutanSeniors' Health Centre: June MarshallProjects: Barbara Macleod Annual Dinner: Phyllis SacksArchives: Joan Lewis Art: Christine SmithHospital Enhancement: Barbara McKayRecruitment/Orientation: Fran RoseSpiritual & Religious Care: Mary WalkerManager, Volunteer Services: Angeli White Coordinator: James DimitropoulosCoordinator: Veronica TrotmanAdministrative Assistant: Maxine NyantehCommunications: Barry Jamieson

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Olga Dellidonne, PresidentVolunteer Services Board

Voice

“I looked up at the ceiling and what did I see?” See page 3

We’ve been having some strange winter weather, not that I’m complaining, but you never know what to expect.It’s been another great year. On January 31st, 2012, I presented the NYGH Foundation, with our donation of $235,000. as well as $3,500. (proceeds from the Quilt raffle in November) making a total of $238,500. to be applied to our pledge of $3 Million for the Volunteer Services Centre for Medical Imaging. This brings our total so far to a little over $1.5 Million towards our pledge.We should give ourselves a big hand as we are ahead of schedule for this pledge.As you know, the monies we turn over to the Foundation are proceeds from the Gift Shop, including Etcetera, the Projects Committee, and the Seniors’ Health Centre Tuck Shop, as well as your individual donations. I wish to thank the committees for all their hard work, and you, for all your hard work.The Committee Chairman and the Volunteer Office Coor-dinators are now busy writing their reports for our Annual Report that will be handed out at our Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner.Speaking of the Annual Dinner, it is being held Wednes-day, May 2nd, 2012 at Spirales Banquet and Convention Centre and invitations will be going out in early March. We look forward to seeing you there, as it is a great evening to mix and mingle with the other Volunteers from our three sites, the General, Branson, and Seniors’ Health Centre.Angeli White, Manager of Volunteer Services, has been away on maternity leave and was to be back February 13th, but has been picked for jury duty, so we will see her around mid March.I wish to thank Arlene Gladstone, who was Interim Man-ager (along with handling her job as Manager of Occupa-tional Health), for stepping in and doing a great job. Thanks to Katherine Victorio who took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator, covering Angeli’s departments while she was away.And last but not least, this will be my last report to you as President as my tenure is coming to a close at the Annual Dinner on May 2nd. I’ve enjoyed my time as your Presi-dent, but it’s time for a change.

“It’s the beginning of a new year”.

Angeli White Manager

Volunteer Services

FROM THE DESK OF ANGELI WHITE

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Veronica Trotman Coordinator

Volunteer Services

“The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have,but in giving of who your are….” Johnnetta B. Cole

A very warm “Welcome Back” to all our Volunteers, I hope you are all doing well and enjoying a healthy 2012. Have you noticed! The days are getting a little longer. A clear indication that Spring is on its way. Spring is also a time to express our appreciation and thanks to our many Volunteers who give their time to the Branson site, General site and Seniors’ Health Centre. Mark your calendar for the upcoming National Volunteer Week April 15 to 21, 2012 event, as we pay tribute to all our Volunteers who continue to give generously of their time and energy in support of our hospital’s mission, vision, and values in providing support to our patients, residents and staff.Recruitment for the summer program has begun and application forms are available on-line at www.nygh.on.ca under Volunteer Services. Students 16 years and older are invited to apply and we would appreciate your encouraging family, friends and students interested in experiencing the benefits from our program, while provid-ing an invaluable service to their community. Cooperative Education Students, for our second semester, have been placed and will begin their placement the week of February 20, 2012. Eleven students have been positioned throughout the General site, Branson and Seniors’ Health Centre. We thank all the departments that have participated in this program and look forward to their continued support.As the Hospital wraps up accreditation for this year, Seniors’ Health Centre is getting ready to have their accreditation in June. For the first time, Speciality Care will be involved in the hospital’s accreditation. Watch the intranet for more information.

It has been a great year and from what I can see there have been many successes for the entire Volunteer Services team! Arlene and Katherine were great additions to our team and I thank them for their incredible support which enabled a lot of work to continue and kick off during my absence. All of these positive outcomes were no doubt reflected by our recent Accreditation briefing which took place in February. The Accreditation surveyors commended North York General Hospital on our teamwork and further commented that it was evident that "it was all about the People! People! People!" In a continuing celebration of recognizing our staff, physicians and Volunteers, you are all encouraged to nominate those who you feel exemplified extra effort throughout the Accreditation process. The Stand Out-Be Amazing recognition program has launched the "A+ on Accreditation" award to recognize our heroes who have played a key role in ensuring we are accreditation compliant at all-times, not just this February.You can access electronic nomination cards on the Stand Out intranet website or you can find nomination cards throughout the organization. Please feel free to speak to any of the Volunteer Services team or your Chairmen for further support if required.I am proud to be part of such an amazing organization which exemplifies teamwork and a collaborative approach in the continuous pursuit of excellence!"

FROM THE DESK OF VERONICA TROTMAN

"It is a wonderful feeling being back and seeing all of you again!”

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THERE’S A WHOLE LOT MORE GOING ON THAN JUST VOLUNTEERING AT NYGH...

NYGH VOLUNTEER SERVICES “ALEX’S MITTEN TREE”... TRULY A SUCCESS STORY!

DONATED BY:

DONATED BY:

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DONATED BY:

DONATED BY:

Alan Empringham, Chair, Mitten Tree Committee, 2012

We wish to express our thanks to the generous contributions of all the Volunteers, Staff and friends of NYGH that participated in this years Alex’s Mitten Tree drive. You reached out to give a little back to the community, to those who really need the help. This project is in memory of Alex Hornibrook, the man who organized this drive in 2008. He wanted to give to the less fortu-nate, and early in 2010, a committee of dedicated Volunteers was organized to carry on the work

of what Alex lovingly called his “pet project”. This year’s drive was not as successful as previous years, due to a late start, but we promise that next year’s drive will be the biggest ever. With the count this year, the total number of items that have been collected and distributed since 2008 is 3,710 items (not too shabby). A special “thank you” goes to Karline Rhodes who contributed 55 beautiful hand-made mittens. Thank you Karline. Your consideration is greatly appreciated by Volunteer Services and the 55 children who received these mittens will have warm hands this winter.Deliveries were made to various charities by our small group of “Santa’s Helpers” from December 17 to 19. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

and cooking and she, with the help of her husband, published a cook book which has graced the kitchens of her family and friends. Recently, Diana has painted ceiling panels for the Medical Imaging Department to help patients waiting for CAT scans have a more relaxing and less stressful experience. The Art Committee is especially pleased to support the Medical Imaging Department since Volunteer Services has committed $3,000,000. for their renovations. As well as painting for the Art Committee, Diana is a valued Volunteer in the NYGH Gift Shop. Responsibilities include all three sites, the General, Branson and the Seniors’ Centre. Duties involve purchasing and installing artwork, updating pictures in rooms and public areas and tending to repairs. Our committee is generously funded through the Auxiliary budget.With ongoing renovations and an ever expanding hospital, it is our pleasure to always try to make each area as attractive and interesting as possible.

The NYGH Volunteer Art Committee‘s foremost aim is to help make a hospital visit or stay as enjoyable and hospi-table an experience as possible for patients, staff and visitors. Our volunteer Art Committee consists of two Volunteers, Christine Smith who has been a Volunteer for over 17 years and became Art Chairman about 9 years ago, and Diana Abdo who is a recent, welcome assistant. Christine also works in the Emergency Department and is on the Recruitment-Orientation Committee. As a member of the Willowdale Group of Artists and the Studio Artists of Thornhill, she enjoys all aspects of art, especially acrylic paint-ing and photography. Her framed photo enlargements can be seen throughout the hospital. Over the last two years, she has painted several ceiling panels in the Emergency Department as a means to help patients enjoy a more relax-ing experience. Diana was a language teacher of both adults and teens. She enjoys painting in oils and acrylics, reading

Some of the beautiful paint-ings created by Christine and Diana

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VOLUNTEER SERVICES

“A TASTEFULEXPERIENCE”

COOK BOOKIS AVAILABLEIN LIMITED*

QUANTITIES IN THEGIFT SHOP!

PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE COOKBOOK BENEFIT VOLUNTEER SERVICES CENTRE FOR MEDICAL IMAGING

*Approximately 115 cookbooks left

A MESSAGE FROM DEBBIE KUUTAN, CHAIR, COOKBOOK COMMITTEE, PROJECTS

The Volunteer Services, “A Tasteful Experience” cookbook is available for purchase in the Gift Shop for just $20.00. What a great gift idea for those “hard-to-buy-for” family members and friends! With Easter, Victoria Day and those lazy days of summer just around the corner, this cookbook will ease your worries about what to serve!“A Tasteful Experience” is not just a cookbook of over 250 tasty entries – it is so much more! Not only is there an array of recipes from all over the globe, but it also features helpful hints and cooking tidbits – guaranteed to delight family and friends!

“In celebration of North York General Hospital Volunteer Services 45th Anniversary year, the Projects Committee has assembled a commemorative cookbook filled with our treasured family recipes. These “tried and true” favourites have been collected from our very own North York General Hospital family – staff, physicians and Volunteers”.

Buon Appetito…and Happy Cooking! Debbie KuutanChair, Cookbook CommitteeProjects

Most importantly, all proceeds of this commemorative cookbook will benefit our hospital as well as our community. These funds will be directed to the “Volunteer Services Centre for Medical Imaging” in support of our ongoing pledge and commitment to NYGH.Not only are we able to enjoy the recipes from our cookbook but as a special request from the Toronto Public Library,”A Tasteful Experience” now sits proudly on the shelf in the Canadiana Collection of the North York Central Library. We are delighted to have been able to contribute to the community of North York, City of Toronto with this commemorative keepsake for all to enjoy!

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Sandra Smith M.A.,CHE

Vice President, People Services & Organizational Development

Chief Human Resources OfficerNorth York General Hospital

FROM THE DESK OF SANDRA SMITH

James Dimitropoulos Coordinator

Volunteer Services

FROM THE DESK OF JAMES DIMITROPOULOS

which means 2012 has arrived and well on its way. I am not sure where winter went, but for those of you who are missing it, I’m sure it will return next season. Picking up from our Fall issue we have been busy with new projects and changes. One project in particular was a new adventure adopted by the Projects Commit-tee; a partnership with Shops at Don Mills, where NYGH Volunteers had taken on the task of holiday wrapping--this caught the interest of a lot of Volunteers and it is something we would like to continue in the years to come. The fundraising continued with a successful Quilt Raffle, and continued success of the cook-book “A Tasteful Experience”. There was even a copy of the book donated to the Toronto Public Library. Last February, Volunteer Services was happy to be joined by Arlene Gladstone, Manager of Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness as the Interim Manager of Volunteer Services and Katherine Victorio, Well-ness Coordinator as an interim Volunteer Coordinator. As they have now returned to their respective roles, I would like to thank both of them for their contributions and support during their time with us!Spring is on its way which means some important events lay ahead. Volunteer Week and the Annual Rec-ognition Dinner are right around the corner. I am looking forward to help you celebrate your success.Until then maybe we will get at least one snowfall in!

“Here we go again... the start of another year!”

This year, we have also developed a recognition program for our staff, physicians and volunteers. The Stand Out – Be Amazing recognition program was launched on 1 July, 2011. The program is part of the organization’s Total Rewards strategy within the People Plan. It is intended to provide a formal vehicle for staff, physicians and volunteers to nominate and be nominated for demonstrating the core values of the organization. Many of our volunteers have been nominated over the past few months. This program is one way in which we can recognize and thank each other. It is a very successful program and I want to encour-age our volunteers to nominate other volunteers, staff or physicians. Each day we see someone demon-strating exceptional behaviour - going above and beyond. Take the opportunity to give them a Stand Out award. The nomination cards are available all across the organization and in the Volunteer Office.

“In our November Volunteer Voice article, I wrote about our Patient Values and Integrity Statement.The Patient Values is our promise to our patients and the Integrity Statement is our promise to each other”.

They document our commitment to our behaviour towards our patients and each other. These documents are now posted across the organization. Please take a moment to look at them and give us your feedback. You will also see posters around the organization for our new recognition program - STAND OUT - Be Amazing!

Our volunteers truly go above and beyond every day - I look forward to seeing all of your nominations!As always, thank you for everything you do everyday!

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FROM THE DESK OF DR. TIM RUTLEDGE

Dr. Tim Rutledge, MD, CCFP (EM), FSCP

President and C.E.O.North York General Hospital

FROM THE DESK OF TERRY PURSELL

Terry PursellPresident and C.E.O.

North York General Hospital Foundation

The tremendous contribution of North York General Volunteers never ceases to inspire me and motivate me in my leadership role. The kind and giving spirit of the men and women in blue is one of our hospital’s defining features. I believe this spirit was in full force during our recent Accreditation survey. We received “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” – a stellar 100 per cent compliance, meaning that every Required Organizational Prac-tice, every standard was met. This is a truly remarkable and rare achievement.The surveyors praised not only our skills and expertise, but also the strong character of our volunteers, staff and physicians. Surveyor Patricia Somers described her experience as a warming feeling of pure joy in her heart. It was clear to her we exemplified interprofessional teamwork in the workplace and a profound respect emanated from our interactions. Thank you all for being such gracious hosts!It’s a busy time at North York General. We are completing our annual budget planning process to identify potential savings and opportunities for strategic reinvestments. Successfully balancing the budget can be a challenge, but North York General Hospital plans diligently to ensure the financial health of our organiza-tion while maintaining quality and safety for our staff, physicians, volunteers, and patients and their families.We have also made great strides in our exciting strategic planning process – a synthesis of ideas from staff, physicians and volunteers to guide us in providing the best care and experience to our patients and their families, and making North York General an even better place to work, volunteer and visit.The final strategic plan will be ready for viewing in the Spring. As volunteers, your input and feedback has been vital in the creation of this document. We now need your support to make our vision for the future a reality. I hope you will read about our new vision, mission, values and strategic directions and I would encourage and greatly appreciate any ideas you may have in its execution. Have a happy and healthy Spring!

“Let me begin by expressing sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Volunteers for your latest donation of $238,500. which was presented and celebrated at a recent board meeting”.

We are thrilled to share with you, our Volunteers, who give so generously of your time and compassion, some exciting news. Spring 2012 is a historic time for our Hospital and Foundation. In April we will celebrate “The Week of Philanthropy” and the public launch of the $150 million Campaign for North York General Hospital — our most ambitious fundraising initiative yet.The Campaign will invite our entire community to invest in our Hospital, helping to provide the resources to give every patient the best care today, and drive the health innovations of tomorrow. This means mod-ernizing our facilities, acquiring leading-edge technology and equipment, and developing our academic mission so that NYGH continues to be an innovator in providing exceptional community healthcare.Volunteers play an important role in fostering excellence at NYGH, and we are pleased to invite you to our Open House to meet the Foundation team and learn more about the Campaign. The Open House will take place in the Atrium on Tuesday, April 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Your philanthropic commitment of $3 million to support the Volunteer Services Centre for Medical Imaging will, of course, be one of the featured gifts of our historic Campaign. The Week of Philanthropy will raise awareness in our Hospital and community about the power of giving back, and will celebrate our Hospital’s achievements and landmark Campaign gifts.

“Philanthropy at North York General Hospital has always been shaped by people who are inspired to care for their community through acts of generosity”.

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THE POETS CORNER

“Sweet Memories”Written by:

Rehana Shamsi

Volunteer, Day Surgery/4 West

Diluting Sweet Memories in Dismal thoughts,

Welcoming Happiness withGenuine heart,

Providing PleasureChance to Survive,I patiently walked

Lengthy Bridge of TimeGiving myself a

Delightful Opportunity To Enjoy Leisurely Every Sip of Life…

AN UPDATE FROM OUR PROJECTS COMMITTEE

The Projects Committee of Volunteer Services has been busy for the last couple of months planning some new projects for this year. We would like to start a new program whereby collectable items such as 100% pure cotton material for the Chemo Hats, thread, ribbon, lace, baby wool for our Preemies, skeins of wool for our “Teddies for Tragedies”, and, as well, we can’t forget material for “Alex’s Mitten Tree”. All these items would be gratefully appreciated, so if you have any of the above to contribute, please leave them in the Volunteer Office, to the attention of Barb Macleod or Joy D’Andrade. Not everyone is a knitter so we will arrange to enlist a group of Volunteers to help out in using their talents. We fell a bit short this year for the Mitten Tree, so perhaps this will help the drive in 2012.The Projects Committee is always thinking ahead so don’t forget our Garage Sale in April. Start looking out for all those things that you would like to donate as long as they are clean and in working order. I also know it will soon be time to start making jams, jellies, preserves, and pickling, so maybe you can add an extra jar or 2 that we can use for our Christmas Holi-day Sale. I know this is an odd request, but anything homemade is a sure-fire item that we can sell because “it’s always made with love.”The Projects Committee would also like to extend a warm welcome to any Volunteer that would be inter-ested in coming to one of our meetings and to see just exactly what we do. You might like to become a member of the committee, or become a helper on one of the committee projects. We’re always looking for ideas on fund-raising, so if you have the time and talent, please drop a line to me (Barb Macleod) and leave it in the Volunteer Office. I will get in touch with you.On behalf of the Projects Committee, have a great Summer. Barb Macleod, Chair, Projects Committee

Barb Macleod and Joy D’Andrade have big plans for this year.

NYGH Volunteer Marjorie Roberts has been nomi-nated and awarded the 2011 Ontario Volunteer Services Award for her 25 years of working with young children at the Lescon Children’s Centre.She has been playing piano and teaching songs and games to the children on a weekly basis and has been continually recognized by staff as a valuable member of the Centre.Marjorie is a qualified nursery school teacher and taught children for 8 years before her own 4 children were born. When they became of school age and were attending school all day, she then returned as a supply teacher for a number of years.Her busy life with her family was too much to handle while taking time to teach so she left her duties as a supply teacher but continued on as a volunteer at the daycare facility.Her dedication and caring did not go unnoticed and her peers honoured her with the prestigious Volun-teer Award for her exemplary work with the children at the Lescon Children’s Centre.Marjorie’s love for working with children has carried on at North York General Hospital and she has been giving her assistance in the Child and Teen Clinic (formerly Paediatrics) on the 3rd floor for the past 38 years. 3 cheers for Marjorie Roberts Barb Noble, friend and co-worker

2011 ONTARIO VOLUNTEER SERVICES AWARD

THE POSTING BOARD

Volunteers Give Service With A Smile

NORTH YORK GENERAL HOSPITALGeneral Division: 416 756-6000Branson Division: 416 633-9420Seniors' Health Centre: 416 756-0066Volunteer Office: 416 756-6444 Ext. 4016

Volunteer Voice is published 3 times a year and is provided to all Volunteers at our 3 sites of North York General Hospital.Volunteer Voice Editor/Graphic Designer: Barry Jamiesonemail: barry.jamieson@nygh.on.caWeb address for .pdf version of Volunteer Voice:http://www.nygh.on.ca/volunteer/become.html

Articles for the Summer Issue of Volunteer Voice must be submitted no later than June 15, 2012

Voice

TEDDIES FOR TRAGEDIEShave been created by

North York General Hospital Volunteersand friends since this project began.TEDDIES have travelled all over the

world giving pleasure and joy to hundredsof sick, homeless and needy CHILDREN.

THE NEED CONTINUES...

PLEASE KEEP ON KNITTING!!!!Ev. McMurray, Gift Shop Volunteer

Knitting patterns are available at:http:// www.teddiesfortragedies.org/pattern.htm

“WHAT A GREAT PROJECT FOR THIS SPRING!”

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Ivy Ng Treasurer

Volunteer Services

FROM THE DESK OF IVY NG

“Your support has repeatedly played a key role in our success”.

MEDICAL CARE INFORMATIONIf you need a Family Doctor call: 1 800 445-1822 for assistance

Toll Free Health Information (TELE-HEALTH) call: 1 866 797-0000

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website:www.health.gov.on.ca

VOLUNTEER SERVICES ANNUAL DINNER 2012

“RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP” REMINDERRenewal forms have been coming in steadily but the deadline was February 1st, and there are still a number of Volunteers who haven’t completed filling out a form.In order to remain a Volunteer in good standing at North York General Hospital, you must submit a renewal form to the Membership Chairman. The forms are in the lounge at each site, as well as a box for completed forms.

Margaret Heyland, Chair, Membership Committee

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the Volunteer Services Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.The dinner will again be held at Spirale Banquet and Conference Centre. Watch for your invitation and reserve your table during the Ticket Blitz (from April 16th -20th).

Phyllis Sacks, Chairman, Annual Dinner Committee.

We would like to sincerely thank RBC Royal Bank (in honour of Joy D'Andrade, and Anne Chang) and Bell Canada (in honour of Barbara Warner) for their generous donations. Corporate donations on behalf of current and past employees are, as always, very much appreciated.