Less than a year ago, Mary Cross was a newly retired professional looking for a meaningful way to spend her time and stay connected to her community.
Today, she’s one of our dedicated volunteers at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), sharing her time and energy between the Tuck Shop and the Emergency Waiting Room.
“I volunteer for KHSC because it’s a wonderful organization helping thousands and thousands of people,” says Cross.
Her journey into volunteering started as a simple idea - a desire to give back. But it quickly became something much more.
“I enjoy meeting colleagues and patients during my course of volunteering,” she explains.
“Giving someone a reason to smile or offering a few kind words on a difficult day. That’s what makes it all worth it.”
Whether she’s offering a treat from the Tuck Shop or helping a family navigate the ER waiting room, Cross brings a calm and caring presence that doesn’t go unnoticed. Her impact is felt in the small gestures - a helpful answer, a cheerful greeting or a quiet moment of reassurance.
“If someone’s looking to make a difference, to make someone’s day brighter, to get out and do some good - this is the place to volunteer.”
And for Cross, what started as a few hours a week has grown into something deeply fulfilling - a way to stay active, engaged, and part of something bigger.
Her time at KHSC is not just about giving - it’s about connecting, growing, and bringing light to those who need it most.
To learn more about volunteering at KHSC, please visit https://kingstonhsc.ca/working-and-volunteering/volunteer-khsc
This is the place where people are transforming care.
Thousands of different people come together and make KHSC a great place to work. We're a team on a mission to transform care, together.
