This National Volunteer Week, we’re thrilled to shine a light on the heart of KHSC — our extraordinary volunteers. From guiding lost visitors with a warm smile to offering comfort during the most vulnerable moments, our volunteers make a world of difference every single day.
To all our volunteers: thank you for showing up, for giving back, and for helping others find comfort, clarity, and care. We’re better because of you.
Meet just a few of the incredible individuals who help shape the compassionate care experience at KHSC. Each story is a testament to the impact one person can make — and a reminder that at KHSC, compassion is everywhere.
Paul McLaughlin
Meet Paul — one of our incredible volunteers who joined us in 2024. With a lifelong passion for giving back, Paul has generously shared his time and talents in countless ways over the years. Before retiring, he built a successful 27-year career in sales, marketing, and leadership at FedEx. Today, he stays busy not only with us but also as an active member of the Seniors Association.
My initial reasons for volunteering at KHSC has been overshadowed by the reality of life in the ICU. At every encounter, I have the feeling of gaining insight into human perspectives, always fascinating and never the same. This closeness with family who will share information if they wish is less like an emotional attachment and more like accompanying another on a journey at the end of which parting is inevitable. Some things simply must be experienced, patients near the end of life, the reactions relatives exhibit and how they cope is the reality of ICU. There is a delicate balance of connections and distance and the ability to maintain this balance is an essential quality in a volunteer, boundaries are critical. Fortunately I have learned from other ICU volunteers as well from an amazing ICU social worker. The biggest reward is in the heart, I get as much, or more, out of helping the families as they hopefully get from me.
I always wondered how the ICU deals with all of the emotion, and now I realize they’re each other’s strength, and am proud to be a part of this team. The whole staff comes together to focus on patient care. Everyone supports one another and works collaboratively. My goal is to be a bridge and liaison facilitating communication, and cooperation between family members, who are waiting outside in the family room, and the people inside the ICU.
Knowing you're making a difference in the lives of patients and their families can be incredibly rewarding. Volunteers can help free up staff time by taking on tasks that would otherwise fall on their shoulders, allowing them to focus on direct patient care. Volunteers can help create a more welcoming and compassionate environment for patients and their families. It is amazing how people open up emotionally to a volunteer. As a volunteer, a simple act of helping others will bring a sense of purpose and happiness which they may never have experienced, you'll learn about yourself, sharing, and giving. You can make a difference, Volunteering at KHSC – feel it!
Daniel Wang
Meet Daniel — a standout volunteer whose commitment and compassion make a real difference at KHSC. A Queen’s University student with aspirations of attending medical school, Daniel began volunteering with us two years ago. Since then, he’s been exceptional, supporting patients and staff in Systemic Treatment and on Burr 4. Beyond his regular shifts, Daniel also takes on a leadership role, helping welcome and guide new volunteers as they get started. He was the recipient of the City of Kingston’s 2024 Civic Award for Youth Volunteerism.
I was initially drawn to volunteer at KHSC because of the way my family and I were treated by volunteers at hospitals in the past. When I was younger, my mom was often in the hospital for her cancer treatment. I will never forget the volunteers who were not only so kind to my mom, but to me and my family as well. Although they may not have realized it, they had a profound impact on me and made me feel as though everything was going to be okay, even though they clearly weren't. I decided to volunteer at KHSC as I wanted to be able to provide support to patients in their families, just as those volunteers did for my family and I in the past.
What I love most about volunteering is the chance to form real, heartfelt connections with patients and their families. I’ve been volunteering in the chemotherapy unit every Wednesday morning now for almost two years. and I often see the same patients every week. Over time, our brief conversations have turned into deeper conversations and genuine relationships. Being able to sit with someone, listen to their story, and bring even a little comfort during a hard time has been incredibly rewarding for me. Having gone through chemotherapy with my own mom, it means the world to me to now be someone who can offer hope and support to others walking a similar path.
First and foremost I think volunteering at KHSC is an amazing way to give back to the community and to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Additionally, I think it can be a great experience for people who may want to pursue a career in healthcare as it gives you first-hand experience working with medical professionals and engaging with patients and their families. I've learned so much since I began volunteering with KHSC in September of 2023.
Judy Douglas
Meet Judy — a beloved and familiar face in the Cancer Centre Waiting Room on Burr 1. Judy recently celebrated an incredible milestone, receiving her 25 Years of Service pin! With only a pause during the pandemic, she has dedicated a quarter-century to supporting patients as they wait to be seen, offering comfort and kindness when it's needed most. Judy is deeply valued by Cancer Centre staff, and she generously shares her experience by mentoring new volunteers.
When my husband and I retired to Kingston 26 years ago, I was looking to give back to my new community in some way and was made aware of an opportunity to volunteer at the Cancer Centre at KHSC. Having lost my Mum and grandmother to cancer and having trained at KGH as a nurse, this opportunity seemed like a natural fit for me.
Volunteering in the Cancer Centre brings me the pleasure of once again being in the hospital setting where I am able to provide support to the nurses who work so tirelessly to care for the many patients who come to the clinic. I make myself available to help the patients navigate the clinic area, get them a warm blanket if needed and just be there for them in whatever way I can.
If you are looking for a way to give to your community, there is no better way than giving of your time to provide help to someone by getting involved with one of the many organizations that need volunteers. And the satisfaction that comes from volunteering is immeasurable!
Mary Cross
Meet Mary — one of our dedicated volunteers who joined us in 2024. A keen and energetic younger retiree, Mary generously gives her time in both the Tuck Shop and the Emergency Waiting Room. Her friendly presence and willingness to help wherever needed make a meaningful impact on everyone she meets.
I volunteer for KHSC because it’s a wonderful organization helping thousands and thousands of people.
I enjoy meeting colleagues and patients during my course of volunteering.
Giving someone a reason to smile or a few words of kindness/ encouragement during perhaps a difficult day.
I feel if someone’s looking to make a difference. Someone’s looking to make someone’s day brighter. If someone is looking to get out and do some good. This is the place to volunteer.
John and Oscar
Meet John and Oscar — one of our amazing volunteer teams bringing smiles and comfort across KHSC. John and his friendly dog, Oscar, began as cross-site volunteers in 2018 and have been based at the KGH site since the pandemic. As a stay-at-home dad, John balances a very busy family life with volunteering in the community while his wife serves as a physician at KHSC. Together, John and Oscar visit patients, families, and staff in multiple locations at KGH, spreading warmth wherever they go.
Oscar and I volunteer at KHSC to give back in a small way to our community. My wife works at KHSC and tells us some sad stories about some of the people in the hospital. We just want to make the patients' and employees' time there a little more enjoyable.
We enjoy the interaction with people and the smiles it brings to their faces. While we don't save lives in the hospital I know that Oscar really does help people with their stress and anxiety.
I feel that volunteering can be a very personal thing for most people. It can be very rewarding knowing you are helping someone else, plus you can get an idea of how other people are living their lives. This can give you a good perspective on life and let you see what is really important to you and to those you interact with.
Jeff Jackson
Meet Jeff — a valued and familiar face at our HDH site for the past 14 years. Jeff plays an important role supporting Patient Relations by ensuring pamphlet racks are always fully stocked and ready to help patients access the information and services they need. Known for his dedication and friendly spirit, Jeff brings so much heart to his volunteer work.
I like to work. I enjoy it at the hospital.
I like the cart , I like the people, I like the hospital.
It is fun and you meet nice people.
Alstin Thomas
Meet Alstin — Alstin hails from India where he had a background in laboratory techniques and customer service. While attending St Lawrence College, Alstin is one of a few male volunteers to lend his time and enthusiasm to our KGH Auxiliary Gift Shop. Alstin’s friendly attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever needed have made him a valued part of the team.
I chose to volunteer at KHSC because I wanted to contribute to a meaningful cause and be part of a team that supports people during some of their most vulnerable moments. KHSC has a strong reputation for compassionate care, and I felt it would be a great environment to give back while also learning more about the staff and people involved in KHSC.
What I enjoy most is the sense of connection—with patients, staff, and fellow volunteers. Even small interactions, like a smile or a helpful gesture, can make a big difference in someone’s day. I also really valued being part of a supportive and dedicated team at the gift shop where I felt appreciated and could grow both personally and professionally.
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to your community while also gaining valuable skills and experiences. It helps build empathy, resilience, and a sense of purpose. I believe everyone has something to offer, and volunteering is a great way to use your time and energy to make a real impact, no matter how big or small.
Lola Hulton
Meet Lola — a lifelong member of the KHSC family whose journey started at just 18 years old when she trained as a nurse at the Hotel Dieu site with the Religious Hospitallers of St Joseph. Lola spent her entire nursing career at HDH, leading and inspiring other medical professionals in their journey. Following her retirement Lola decided to continue her legacy of care and compassion as a Hotel Dieu volunteer. Most known for her friendly presence at the Information Desk in the main lobby, Lola also contributes behind the scenes with appointment reminder calls, committee work, and activities supporting Spiritual Care. With her wonderful sense of humor — often saying she "came over on the boat with Jeanne Mance" — Lola brings warmth and wisdom to everything she does.
I have been at HDH since I was 18 years old. I had a wonderful nursing career for 35years. I appreciated working with the Religious Hospitalers of St Joseph all through these years. Therefore I am happy to be able to 'give back' so to speak.
I enjoy being able to assist the patients & staff in any way I can. Even if it seems a small act to a patient, it can make their visit at the hospital more pleasant.
The world could not function without Volunteers. Volunteering not only helps the organization, patients & Staff but gives me a sense of worth, purpose & well being.
Nicole Horlor
Meet Nicole – in her 6th year volunteering with KHSC, Nicole is a talented Goldsmith and artist in her own right. She is incredibly compassionate and dedicated to helping the youth on Burr 4 tap into their creativity to express themselves, thus also learning new coping strategies. Nicole is also a dedicated member of the Art Committee at the KGH site, responsible for, among other things, the stunning displays we enjoy outside of the Imaging Department.
To lift spirits and enjoy the process of creating with a group, with the intention of bring forth smiles.
Meeting, creating, sharing, and introducing creative new ideas to explore.
If this opportunity arises just try it out. It is an enjoyable and growing experience in many ways.
Kate Sitak
Meet Kate — a dedicated Masters student at Queen's University, Kate has been volunteering with us for the past two years. Kate’s journey began in the Emergency Department and D4ICU, where she provided support and comfort to patients and their families in critical moments. Most recently, she’s been volunteering at the Urgent Care Centre, continuing to make a difference in the lives of patients and staff alike.
I volunteer at KHSC because it helps me feel connected to Kingston beyond the university setting. Being a student at Queen’s can sometimes feel like living in a bubble, and this is one way I step outside of that. It’s meaningful to be part of something that directly supports the community I’m living in, even if it’s in small ways.
I enjoy the simplicity and purpose of it. Just being there to offer directions, check in with patients, or take some pressure off the staff through small tasks makes me feel like I’m contributing something worthwhile. It’s not about doing anything huge, just showing up consistently and being a calm, kind, and helpful presence.
Volunteering is a simple way to be present for others and offer something meaningful, even if it is just your time. You don’t need special skills or a specific role - just a willingness to help. In a healthcare setting, even small things like offering a hand, smile, or helping someone find their way can bring comfort during a stressful time. It’s a reminder that the little things really do matter.
Kathie Dillabough-Bos
Kathie began volunteering at the KGH site in 2008. In her time with us Kathie has held numerous roles including operating the Coffee Cart and preparing packages for clinics at the KGH site pre-pandemic. Following a short break because of COVID, Kathie returned to service at the HDH site assisting at the Information Desk and now in the Wayfinding role. Kathie is a role model for others, proactively greeting everyone who enters Hotel Dieu, ensuring they get where they need to be to receive care.
I enjoy helping people and making a difference in their hospital visit.
Talking to & helping people any way I can and seeing what it means to them to have someone take the time to say hello or just smile at them.
It's a chance to give back and when you complete your shift you feel good about the small difference you made in someone's life.
