Even a pandemic could not stop Hope & Cope from honouring its volunteers celebrating long-service milestones!
While COVID-19 public safety measures precluded our traditional brunch or cocktail hour event, the Recognition Committee, chaired by Charlene Freger, Barbara Hops and Suzanne O’Brien, found a unique way to make volunteers feel special.
Volunteers celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service received a loot-bag containing their long service pin and certificate as well as a Hope & Cope branded mask and a sweet treat. These loot-bags were delivered personally by our own team of elves, including Eric Amar, Lucy de Cesar, Charlene Freger, Barbara Hops, Sheila Kussner, Suzanne O’Brien and Ida Teoli. Recipients were thrilled, as evidenced by the smiles on their faces!
On November 10th, a virtual celebration was held on Zoom, bringing together the volunteers, Board members, staff, and special guest, Dr. Bernard Lapointe, former Chief of Palliative Care.
Hope & Cope Founder Sheila Kussner praised our volunteers for their inspiring and humbling commitment, loyalty and dedication. “No amount of thanks is adequate to convey my gratitude,” she said. “This pandemic will pass, but the need for Hope & Cope’s volunteers will remain.”
Dr. Lapointe noted that although the pandemic has profoundly impacted how we live, Hope & Cope volunteers continue to embrace and enact the values of generosity, care and community. “I have been privileged to witness your energy, your goodwill, your willingness to help and your contributions to thousands of patients and their families,” he said.
Volunteers Faigye Bard and Rick Simoneau were applauded for 25 years of service. A versatile volunteer, Faigye has been a familiar face in the Radio-oncology Clinic, makes outreach calls for our Bereavement Team and has enjoyed helping out at our annual Survivorship Day event. Rick distinguished himself by making a smooth transition from young adult cancer patient to young adult peer mentor and support group facilitator. More recently, he initiated and continues to lead the Bros Club for young adult male cancer patients.
Brenda Blatt and Shelley Ptack were praised for their 30 years of service to Hope & Cope. As a member of the Main Office Team for many years, Shelley offered a calm and comforting presence, especially for new patients and their families. Brenda has served in multiple roles, including Past President, peer mentor and support group facilitator for our Caregiver group, consistently displaying her empathetic manner and deep understanding of the needs of patients and their families. Both women also are generous donors, canvassing for and attending our many fundraisers.
The celebration featured a slide show that offered a trip down Memory Lane as well as photos of the honourees displaying their certificates. The list of each service group was flashed on screen and the names read aloud, with brief descriptions of the unique contributions of each volunteer. Past Chair Lillian Vineberg took a moment to honour the memory, contributions and service of five volunteers who passed away last year.
Executive Director Eric Amar concluded the celebration by adding his thanks to the volunteers for their wisdom, unique perspectives and guidance. Noting that he has spent most of his career in the not-for-profit sector, he nevertheless has been impressed by the desire of Hope & Cope volunteers to get back to in-person services and their willingness to contribute in any way they can during this pandemic. “Thank you for allowing me the privilege to be part of this amazing culture that you have built,” he concluded.
