Page 9 - Annual Report 2016-17

Margaret, Emily

MAUREEN MAGUIRE " My name is Maureen Maguire and I am a retired librarian
SENIOR/RETIREE who enjoys exercise, reading, the theatre and genealogy.
I have volunteered at Princess Margaret since October
What is the most memorable moment from 2004 as a Healing Beyond the Body Patient and Family
volunteering with us? Library Support Volunteer and at Toronto Rehab - E. W.
The moments when patients who have been Bickle Centre since February 2015 as a Library Support
receiving care for a while come to say goodbye Volunteer.
because they have completed their treatment and Collectively, I have contributed 2,525 hours to UHN as a
are being discharged with improved health. volunteer."
What was the biggest lesson you learned though
volunteering? Page 7
1- That there is always something new to learn
2- Gratitude for the people she meets and the time
that they take to share their stories with her.
Maureen is inspired by the spirit of the patients and
families she volunteers with and her discovery of the
sense of community that exists within a hospital
setting.
What advice would you give a new volunteer or to
someone who is thinking of volunteering?
Volunteers should enter their new role with an open
mind. If you take time to listen to patients and to
learn about them you will learn true empathy. That
success while volunteering might come in
unexpected and subtle ways.
What do you think all staff should know about
volunteers?
Volunteers come with many different experiences
and diverse interests. Their motivation to volunteer
and their take away is unique to each individual.