This National Volunteer Week, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is calling on new or returning volunteers to help make a difference, one caring moment at a time.

KHSC is currently recruiting adult, year-round volunteers, to help offset a seasonal drop in student volunteers and to support the ongoing needs of patients.

Volunteers are highly valued members of the health-care team, playing a vital role in enhancing the patient experience and complementing the high standard of care provided by staff and physicians at KHSC.

"Volunteers play a meaningful role in supporting patients and their families at every stage of their health care journey," says Alan Archer, director of workforce planning and labour relations at KHSC. "By generously offering their time, talents, empathy, and creativity, our volunteers help foster a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient community."

Volunteers serve in three key types of roles — administrative support, patient-facing roles, and wayfinding roles in areas such as the hospital lobbies. There are currently 70 different types of volunteer roles across KHSC.

"Volunteer roles are tailored to each person's skills, experience, talents, and availability," says Archer. "We recognize that people lead busy lives, which is why we offer flexible scheduling options—including weekdays, evenings, and weekends—with commitments ranging from one to four hours per week, based on program needs."

Paul McLaughlin, who joined as a volunteer in the intensive care unit in 2024, says the work can be incredibly rewarding.

“Volunteers can help free up staff time by taking on tasks, allowing staff to focus on direct patient care. Volunteers can help create a more welcoming and compassionate environment for patients and their families,” says McLaughlin. “As a volunteer, the simple act of helping others will bring a sense of purpose and happiness. You can make a difference.”

KHSC has refined its application and orientation process to make the experience more streamlined for those interested in getting involved.

For more information on volunteer opportunities or to register for a virtual information session, visit: www.kingstonhsc.ca/working-and-volunteering/volunteer-khsc