People of KHSC: Aveleigh Kyle

Aveleigh Kyle worked as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) registered nurse (RN) for almost 37 years before retiring eight years ago. She has never really left, taking on part-time and casual roles throughout Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).

Since March, she and Tammy Knox, another retired RN, have been resource RNs in the ICU, where staffing challenges have been felt deeply. “I don’t take on specific assignments, but I help with procedures, cover breaks, turn patients, mentor new RNs and keep very busy when I’m here,” says Kyle.

About seven years before she retired from her full-time work, she joined the board of directors for Lunch by George, a downtown food program for those in need of this basic necessity. Fifteen years later, she is now chair of the board.

“Sadly, Lunch by George has grown in a big way. This June we served 2300 meals, compared to 632 meals in June 2019. The need is great, and we could not do what we do without the support of the United Way. Those who donate to the United Way and those who work at the United Way are essential to our food program. Kind, generous, hardworking people are invaluable.

“Being charitable fills me and grows my own personal faith. I am a parishioner at St. George’s Cathedral, where Lunch by George started 35 years ago and from where the now independent organization continues to rent space and receive much support.

“Volunteering and giving back to my community is my passion. My KHSC colleagues know this about me and they have generously helped me with various giving-related events over the years.

“Working at KHSC for so long and having been exposed to many sad situations has only increased my compassion for helping marginalized people.

“It’s a different type of giving back and a different fulfillment than what you experience in your career.

“The people who come to Lunch by George have little, I have a lot.

“I have come to know them. Everyone has a story and good inside them.”

Each year, KHSC's United Way workplace campaign raises over $65K for local programs that address key areas such as food insecurity, homelessness, poverty, and employment instability.