The coordinator of a new volunteer program at Cariboo Memorial Hospital is excited to see more people become involved.
"I just love that people are going to come in and brighten somebody's day," said Tanis Rosa of what she loves most about the program in Williams Lake.
Anyone ages 15 years and older wanting to make a difference is encouraged to apply. The volunteer opportunities are year-round and could see participants taking on any number of roles – such as having visits with patients at CMH or Deni House, playing a few hands of cards or other games, offering reading materials, warm blankets, puzzles and more.
"We've posted it on social media and the Interior Health website," Rosa said of efforts to get the word out. "I've gone to the high school and the university."
There is one volunteer in the program working with patients so far who did her first shift on Nov. 29.
She is a Grade 12 student at Lake City Secondary School who wants to be a nurse and be involved in a hospital environment, said Rosa, adding so far it's been very positive having her there.
Since being hired, Rosa has connected with other communities, especially Kelowna General Hospital where the program has more than 700 volunteers.
"They just celebrated their 60th year," she said, noting Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops has more than 300 people in its volunteer program.
"We have monthly coordinator meetings, but I have had all my training through the Kelowna hospital."
All volunteers will need to go through a screening process, which includes getting a criminal record check, an interview, taking some learning modules and on-the-job training. Volunteers will wear blue vests labelled 'CMH volunteer'.
Depending on different departments, volunteers could be there during the day but also in the evening.
"Kelowna is way bigger, but some of their departments have people there until midnight," Rosa said. "It all depends on how much we grow, but people will be able to pick their own hours and their own departments where they would like to work."
Rosa brings many years of experience to the job, having worked with volunteers for 20 years.
She was a parent advisory council president for 18 years and has also been involved with Williams Lake Minor Hockey, managing and coordinating.
When she was in Grade 8 her family moved to Williams Lake from Vancouver Island
She has four children ages 12 to 23.
When she saw the full-time posting in July, she applied, knowing it was something she would really enjoy doing.
Volunteers are asked to give a minimum six-month commitment if they wish to sign up. For more information about the program, please contact CMHVolunteerServices@interiorhealth.ca.
