‘Walk a mile’ in a volunteer’s shoes

South Zone leader joins ranks for a day, praises enthusiasm of helpers

Story & photo by Jennifer Vanderlaan

LETHBRIDGE — When Colin Zieber got an invitation to ‘walk a mile’ in the shoes of volunteers at Chinook Regional Hospital, he accepted without hesitation.

“Volunteers bring a heart and humanity to the hospital,” says Zieber, Senior Operating Officer, South Zone. “It’s great to see such eager and enthusiastic volunteers of all ages.”

Zieber accepted the challenge so he could gain a better appreciation of all that Alberta Health Services (AHS) volunteers do.

Zieber began his Walk a Mile shift with Jordyn Musial in the emergency department, where he helped Musial to stock isolation gowns — just one of many tasks she completes in her three-hour shift.

Next, he met with Pete Gronemeyer in the Intensive Care Unit, where they walked from room to room to ensure patients had the necessary supplies, re-stocking as needed. Before leaving the unit, Gronemeyer and Zieber made sure the supply cart was well-stocked and ready for the next volunteer. When asked how he felt about volunteering, Gronemeyer said: “My role as a volunteer is to help out any way I can.” And that he does.

Seeing the good that volunteers do reinforced the appreciation Zieber already feels for AHS volunteers.

“I’m so grateful to our volunteers who assist patients and staff every day,” says Zieber. “It’s obvious to me that they take incredible pride in what they do and how the work is done.”

To say that volunteers play an important part in the day-to-day activities at AHS facilities is an understatement. In the South Zone, hundreds of volunteers donate their time and skills daily to help patients, families and the community.

Volunteers lessen the load of healthcare workers and brighten a patient’s day. They greet people at the entrance and help them find their way. Others create a soothing, calm environment by playing music. Some volunteers visit patients — and may even bring a pet along for extra comfort — while others assist patients in the emergency department or provide spiritual-care support.

“I am so grateful for and proud of the work AHS volunteers do in South Zone,” says Carmelle Steel, Manager, Volunteer Resources/Spiritual Care, South Zone. “It was wonderful to have leadership take the time to learn more about our volunteers and their roles.”

AHS has more than 14,000 dedicated volunteers who help healthcare providers to achieve their vision, mission, values and strategies. In the South Zone, there are currently 954 volunteers, with 273 of these at Chinook Regional Hospital.

“The volunteers have incredible servants’ hearts and are willing to do whatever is needed,” says Zieber. “This experience energized me.”