Dear Editor:

While we do our best to show our appreciation for our volunteers each day, the week of April 17-23, 2022 is set aside this year as Volunteer Appreciation Week in the United States. Since 1974, volunteer-involving organizations have been celebrating those who give so much of their time and talent freely to support others in need.

Interestingly, themes for the week and the official day of celebration vary depending on the country. The theme that resonates here at LincolnHealth this year is Canada’s Empathy in Action – Volunteers Bring Heart to Our Communities.

I have witnessed many acts of kindness from our volunteers over the years as they assist our patients and nursing care residents. From locating a wheelchair when none can be found to calming a young patient who is fearful of getting a vaccine, our volunteers take the time to make a personal connection and empathize with people who are not feeling well.

Our more than 260 volunteers have been challenged over the past two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, with their big hearts, they’ve found ways to contribute, whether it be assisting at vaccination clinics, volunteering to assist with important tasks that allow our teams to focus on their patients, or connecting directly with patients remotely.

It’s encouraging that more volunteers are returning to their pre-pandemic duties in non-clinical areas. Watching volunteers interact with our patients is rewarding, especially when seeing the satisfaction and joy that can only be found through personal connections.

While COVID-19 cases are subsiding as I write this letter, no one really knows what the future will hold. One thing for certain is our volunteers, no matter what the circumstance, will do all they can to help our friends and neighbors.

I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude on behalf of LincolnHealth. You make meaningful contributions to our community, and it is a real pleasure to have you as a part of our team.

You are truly the Heart of Our Community.

Connie Bright

Director, Volunteer Services

LincolnHealth