This National Volunteer Week, we are proud to celebrate the dedicated individuals who give their time, compassion and energy to support patients, families and staff across Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
From offering directions and a reassuring presence to supporting patient safety and creating meaningful human connections, our volunteers play a vital role in the care experience every day.
To all our volunteers: thank you for your generosity, your kindness and your commitment to making a difference. Your contributions help create a more compassionate, connected and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Meet just a few of the remarkable volunteers whose stories reflect the impact of giving back.
Marie MacGregor
Meet Marie - a valued volunteer supporting both the Children’s Outpatient Clinic (COPC) and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). After retiring, Marie was inspired to stay active and continue helping others, something she has always loved to do.
Her favourite moments come from the simple, heartfelt connections she makes - especially the smiles from children and the quiet, comforting moments spent with newborns. For Marie, volunteering is rooted in sharing love, happiness and peace.
“Volunteering has put a smile on my face and on others as well. If I can share that with people, life is great.”
Adil Mohammed
Meet Adil - a dedicated Hand Hygiene Auditor at the Kingston General Hospital (KGH) site. With a background in healthcare, Adil was inspired to volunteer to support patient safety.
Through his role, he helps reinforce the importance of proper hand hygiene - a small action with a significant impact. One memorable moment came when a staff member paused to sanitize and acknowledged his presence, reinforcing the power of awareness and teamwork.
Volunteering has strengthened Adil’s confidence and communication skills while deepening his understanding of hospital safety practices.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to patient care.”
Aisylu Shigapova
Meet Aisylu - a Gift Shop volunteer at the KGH site who recently moved to Kingston and found volunteering to be a meaningful way to connect with her new community.
She finds joy in delivering gifts and flowers to patients, helping bridge connections between loved ones during difficult times. These moments, she says, are deeply moving and rewarding.
Volunteering has helped her build friendships and maintain a positive outlook, reinforcing her belief in the power of small acts of kindness.
“Even small contributions can make a difference and help create a more welcoming and supportive environment.”
Robert Thompson
Meet Robert - a volunteer supporting the Detox program and Emergency Department. Inspired by a desire to make a tangible difference in his community, Robert found purpose in giving his time and presence.
One of his most meaningful experiences was during his first independent shift, sketching alongside a client in a lively and welcoming environment - a moment that helped ease his own anxiety.
Volunteering has reignited his creativity and reminded him of the importance of small, meaningful actions.
“These acts of community support are more meaningful and more crucial than ever.”
Devendra Kumar Tungariya
Meet Devendra Kumar - a volunteer with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at the KGH site. A physician by training, Devendra Kumar began volunteering to stay connected to healthcare while contributing to his community in Canada.
He values the simple but powerful moments spent with patients - talking, playing games or simply being present - and the comfort these interactions bring.
Volunteering has helped him better understand patient-centred care and strengthened his commitment to continuing his healthcare career.
“Even small acts of kindness can make a patient’s hospital experience more comfortable.”
Jeff Willis
Meet Jeff - a dedicated volunteer supporting both Information Services at the Hotel Dieu Hospital (HDH) site and the HELP program. After retirement, Jeff found purpose in volunteering, connecting with people and hearing their stories.
From brief interactions at the information desk to deeper conversations with patients, Jeff values every opportunity to engage and help others.
His experiences have introduced him to countless fascinating individuals and life stories, while also reminding him of the emotional realities of patient care.
“I look forward to every shift - there are always new people to meet and new stories to hear.”
Pranay Soma
Meet Pranay - a volunteer in the Urgent Care Centre at the HDH site. Inspired by improvements in Ontario’s healthcare system, Pranay wanted to contribute directly to his community.
He finds motivation in the appreciation expressed by patients and the opportunity to provide comfort during uncertain moments. One memorable experience involved inspiring a patient to apply to become a volunteer after learning about the role.
Volunteering has reinforced the importance of empathy and active listening in everyday interactions.
“Small conversations can make a big difference in helping patients feel comfortable and heard.”
Elizabeth Skapinker
Meet Elizabeth - a volunteer supporting CARE and the Emergency Department at the KGH site. Inspired by her grandmother’s care experience, Elizabeth was motivated to give back and support others during vulnerable moments.
One powerful memory involved sharing ice cream and conversation with a patient whose wisdom and perspective left a lasting impression on her life.
Volunteering has shaped Elizabeth’s outlook on life, teaching her resilience, gratitude and compassion.
“It has truly been life-changing.”
Sneha Baruah
Meet Sneha - a Wayfinding volunteer at the HDH site who is passionate about creating a calm and supportive environment for patients and visitors.
One of her most impactful experiences came during her first shift, helping a patient with vision challenges navigate the hospital. That moment taught her the importance of slowing down and being fully present.
Volunteering continues to influence how she approaches both her personal and academic life.
“It reminds me to not rush through life and to bring calmness into every interaction.”
Bryant Han
Meet Bryant - a volunteer supporting both the Detox program and HELP at the KGH site. Bryant was drawn to volunteering to better understand what it means to serve others through direct, personal interaction.
Through leading simple activities like origami, Bryant has seen how meaningful presence and attentive listening can positively impact patients.
His experience has reinforced the value of humility, consistency and genuine human connection.
“What I bring isn’t just my role - it’s being there to listen.”
This National Volunteer Week, we thank all KHSC volunteers for the countless ways they support our patients, families and teams. Your dedication, compassion and commitment continue to make a lasting difference - one interaction at a time.
