AHS celebrates National Volunteer Week: April 15 to 21

RED DEER — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is proud to recognize National Volunteer Week (April 15 to 21) and honour the thousands of registered volunteers, auxiliary members and community groups who play vital roles in supporting patients, residents, families and staff.

In AHS sites across Central Zone, more than 3,300 volunteers and healthcare auxiliary members of all abilities contributed over 170,000 hours of their time last year.

Ranging in age from four to 100, volunteers support over 60 programs with AHS, including providing mealtime assistance, ArtKart distribution, musical entertainment, the Patient Experience Advisor program, one-on-one patient visitation and more. Volunteers help to build confidence, comfort and create connections for those in care, and for the staff and physicians caring for Albertans.

Volunteers are invited to attend the following events, held in partnership with AHS and local community groups, to recognize their valuable work:

Tuesday, April 17:

• Drumheller – Dinner and entertainment, Badlands Community Facility, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Stettler – Luncheon, Stettler Legion Hall, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sundre – Dinner and entertainment, Sundre Community Centre 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18:

• Rimbey – Dessert Theatre event, Peter Lougheed Community Centre, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 19:

• Mannville – Hot dogs and popcorn night, Mannville Recreation Centre 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Ponoka – Cake and coffee, Ponoka Legion, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Monday, April 23:

• Viking – Luncheon and cake, Viking Carena Centre, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

During National Volunteer Week, AHS sites across Central Zone have also planned various private recognition events for volunteers including teas, luncheons and award celebrations.

If you would like to show your appreciation and thank a volunteer, visit thanksforcaring.ca

National Volunteer Week began in 1943 to focus attention on the home-front contributions of women during the Second World War. By the late 1960s, the week had evolved to include all community volunteers. Today, it’s Canada's largest celebration in honour of volunteers.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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