National Volunteer Week takes place April 27 to May 3. We are proud to celebrate more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and service to Oak Valley Health.
From providing clerical support and offering patient assistance to delivering exceptional customer service and more, we are deeply grateful for all they do.
Meet some of our volunteers
Justin Su
Justin Su has been a dedicated volunteer in the Surgical Admission and Discharge Unit for over three years. Inspired by their own experiences in hospitals, Justin wanted to give back to the community and support the health care team.
Justin shares how small acts, like providing warm blankets or helping retrieve patient belongings, can make a big difference in patient care. These tasks may seem simple, but they allow health care professionals to focus on clinical needs while also improving patient experience.
“Volunteering means having the opportunity to give back to the community and to make a difference in a small but meaningful way.”
Justin Su
One memorable moment for Justin was when he helped a family member who had been at the hospital for a loved one’s surgery. The family member, who didn’t speak English and hadn’t eaten in over 12 hours, was feeling anxious. After helping the family member get food and guiding them to the recovery unit, Justin made sure they were comfortable, providing support and compassion during a stressful time.
“This experience made me incredibly proud of my role as a volunteer. Even though it was a small gesture, I was able to help make their hospital experience a little easier,” says Justin. “Volunteering means having the opportunity to give back to the community and to make a difference in a small but meaningful way.”
Miriam Mpindu
Meet Miriam Mpindu, a spiritual care volunteer at Oak Valley Health. Miriam supports patients by listening to their life stories and creating a space were they can relax, pray, and have a few smiles and laughs.
“I have been volunteering for almost eight years. It has been an honour and life-changing experience as l meet with amazing people from all walks of life. Having experienced the care and kindness of volunteers as a patient in this hospital, l promised myself that when l am well, l want to be one of the volunteers.
“Volunteering to me means that l am growing, contributing, learning, and grateful and I care for my community.”
Miriam Mpindu
“I wanted to give back to the community and to be part of this group that brings positive change to those recovering and being treated in hospital. A few years later, l had the opportunity of doing my social work practicum with the hospital and after a few months of completion l came back as a volunteer.”
For Miriam, volunteering puts life into perspective.
“Volunteering to me means that l am growing, contributing, learning, and grateful and I care for my community. In my African culture we have a saying that goes ‘bring yours hands to the village and you will find yourself.’”
Leslie Bullock
Leslie Bullock volunteers alongside her standard poodle, Gemma, a cherished therapy dog, part of the St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog Program. Their volunteering includes visits to the Inpatient Mental Health Unit and supporting wellness programs for staff, spreading joy and ‘Pawsitivity’ across the organization.
Leslie’s volunteer journey began in 1998 when she first worked alongside her dog, Nugget, and later with her doodle, Boss, and retriever, Tessa.
“Volunteering has brought so much meaning to my life. I feel connected to something larger than myself, contributing to a healthy, vibrant, and loving community.”
Leslie Bullock
“I chose to return as a therapy dog handler because I know firsthand the power a friendly wagging tail and a gentle wet nose can have in bringing joy, smiles, and much-needed stress relief to both patients and staff. In the mental health, especially, a visit offers invaluable companionship to those seeking comfort and emotional support,” says Leslie.
Therapy dogs have a remarkable ability to soothe the distressed, offer distraction to those in discomfort, and provide solace to the lonely. Leslie shares that Gemma’s visits are always eagerly awaited by patients, who often express how much they brighten their week.
“Every smile we receive makes it all worthwhile,” says Leslie. “Volunteering has brought so much meaning to my life. I feel connected to something larger than myself, contributing to a healthy, vibrant, and loving community.”