Testimonials from our dedicated volunteers
Volunteering Is Rewarding for All
I have now been volunteering at the Residence Saint-Louis for nearly four years. Some thought I was ambitious to take this on considering I am still working full-time and have an active life. But I knew it was what I wanted to do now that my two children have reached adulthood and I am nearing retirement. They may not need their mother to “help” out anymore, but there are people out there that certainly do.
At Residence Saint-Louis, volunteers are needed to interact with the residents and provide some stimulation. As a volunteer, I provide some much-needed company in the form of “friendly visits”, assist with a wide range of day-to-day tasks, and participate in social activities: bingo, sand bags, concerts, bazaars, etc. Yes, we can bring the fun into their lives!
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I may only volunteer a few hours per week, but this time continues to be a life-changing experience for me. Imagine, just pushing a wheelchair safely from one location to another, I am seen as a hero. Taking the time to listen and learning about life from those who have lived for many more years than I, is an invaluable gift.
A simple “thank you” or a soft touch, not to mention the smiles I put on the residents, is all I need to reaffirm the fact that I am appreciated and making a difference in their lives.
Anne Groulx
The Saint-Louis Residence Has Made Me Grow as a Person
My name is Théa Kaboré and I’m a high school student, currently in Grade 12.
Next year, I hope to study nursing. Then I’d like to do a master’s to become a nurse practitioner, specializing in pediatrics. Last year, I didn’t have any idea of what I wanted to do and university applications were coming up quickly. So I decided to do a health care co-op program with my school.
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They told me about the Saint-Louis Residence. In the second term of Grade 11, I started learning at the Residence. It was an unbelievable experience! I had the chance to work with residents, meet the nursing staff and talk to each of them about their career path, and, finally, I brought a bit of life into the Residence. During my co-op internship at the Residence, I discovered that the nursing care field really interests me. I came to see that I had a passion for helping others, so I decided to follow this path. I had the chance to meet staff, and enjoyed working with them. I also had the chance to meet residents who changed my life—and the way I see life.
Today, I finally got my answer from the University of Ottawa School of Nursing and I will be working hard so I can stay in the program. The Saint-Louis Residence has made me grow as a person. I still volunteer there at least once a week. All this to say that the Residence will always be in my heart.
Théa Kaboré