For Jeff Willis, volunteering at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is something much more than simply filling his time. It’s about connecting with people, hearing their stories and making a difference in the lives of patients and families.
After retirement, Jeff quickly realized he wasn’t quite ready to slow down. A friend suggested he explore volunteer opportunities at KHSC. That’s when he joined the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). Nearly a year later, he added another volunteer role at the information desk at the Hotel Dieu Hospital site.
Today, Jeff is a familiar and friendly face to many, bringing warmth, curiosity and genuine interest to every interaction.
“I look forward to my shift on Thursdays because there will be new people to meet and new stories to listen to,” Jeff says. “For the few that I get to see a second or third time, there will be new stories.”
Volunteering at KHSC has also given Jeff the opportunity to reconnect with friends and former colleagues at the information desk, while helping patients and families navigate their way through the hospital. He describes the experience as especially meaningful because of the connections he makes along the way.
“HELP, without a doubt, has had the biggest impact on me,” he says. “I enjoy meeting the people, many that have had the most interesting careers, travel experiences or lives and they share those with me.”
For Jeff, volunteering is rewarding because of the people, and his commitment, compassion and genuine curiosity have made him a valued member of the KHSC volunteer community.
His experience is a great example of what volunteering can offer: the opportunity to give back, build relationships, learn from others and make meaningful contributions to the patient experience.
Interested in volunteering at KHSC? There are a variety of opportunities across our sites, and volunteers like Jeff play an important role in helping make KHSC a welcoming and caring place for patients, families and visitors. Learn more here.
