For Maria Macdonnell, volunteering offers a chance to make a real difference and has been an important part of her identity. She started at age 14 as a candy-striper at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and volunteered while attending high school. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Maria was always active in their four boys91裸聊视频� schools and PAC. When the boys were in high school, she became the 91裸聊视频渢eam mom91裸聊视频� travelling with the soccer and basketball teams, prepping all their meals and snacks.
91裸聊视频淎fter our youngest son graduated from high school, there was a real sense of loss in that may volunteer days were behind me, so to speak,91裸聊视频� reminisces Maria. 91裸聊视频淚t wasn91裸聊视频檛 until we attended a beautiful gala for JoeAnna91裸聊视频檚 House and heard all the guest speakers talking about what JoeAnna91裸聊视频檚 House was about, that I knew I needed to inquire about volunteering there. I started in 2019 and it is truly the highlight of my week each Wednesday to go in for my shift.91裸聊视频�
Opened in 2019 and steps away from Kelowna General Hospital, JoeAnna91裸聊视频檚 House provides accommodations for out-of-town families with loved ones receiving care at KGH. Maria91裸聊视频檚 volunteer duties include daily household tasks, visiting with guest, setting up the share meal program and orientating new guests when they arrive.
91裸聊视频淚 am loving my current volunteer role and all the duties that come along with it,91裸聊视频� says Maria enthusiastically. 91裸聊视频淚 get to help people feel comfortable and give them someone to talk to, to help ease what they are going through in their personal lives. I help to make them feel welcome and at home as guests at JoeAnna91裸聊视频檚 House.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淚 honestly look forward to it every week and seeing familiar faces. I91裸聊视频檓 just so happy to be part of this organization of caring and generous individuals.91裸聊视频�
In the future Maria hopes to add a day of volunteering at KGH in the cuddle baby program but currently she and her husband also like to travel and she loves hiking and walking with their dog, visiting friends and family and enjoying Okanagan Lake. She loves to volunteer as it allows her to give back to her community in a meaningful way and it fulfills her. She and her husband have also sponsored and volunteered for the Salvation Army Fill the Van program for 27 years.
91裸聊视频淧articipating in the 91裸聊视频淔ill the Van for Sally Ann Food Drive91裸聊视频� left me feeling grateful, humbled, and inspired by the community91裸聊视频檚 generosity,91裸聊视频� explains Maria. 91裸聊视频淪eeing the bins filling up with donations from our generous community brought a profound sense of fulfillment knowing we were making a difference in the lives of those in need.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淭hrough volunteering I have learned a lot about myself and gained valuable insights into the lives of those around me,91裸聊视频� shares Maria. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檝e discovered my capacity for empathy and compassion, as well as my ability to adapt and problem-solve. Additionally, volunteering has provided me with a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people I have had the privilege to work alongside, fostering a greater sense of empathy and connection.91裸聊视频�
If you are looking for a volunteer role that can be as fulfilling as Maria91裸聊视频檚 at JoeAnna91裸聊视频檚 House, check out the VolunteerConnector at www.volunteerconnector.org. There are currently a wide array of positions including Environmental Stewards with the Regional District Parks Services, Boutique Merchandiser with Dress for Success and Social Media Volunteer with Pathways Abilities Society. There are so many ways to make an impact and a real difference. If you aren91裸聊视频檛 sure about where you want to give back, connect with Wendy Williams for the Volunteers4All program and she can match your interest and passion with great opportunities. Contact Wendy at wendyw@kcr.ca.
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.
