May 1, 2025
Ruth Nguyen provides pamper and polish services to continuing care residents to help them to relax and to feel special. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Ruth Nguyen stresses the importance of spending time socializing with residents. She hopes to start monthly tea parties for residents in the continuing care unit. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Ruth Nguyen moved to Raymond from Vietnam in September 2024. She’s been volunteering with AHS since November. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Story by Cassie Ford | Photos by Leah Hennel
RAYMOND — “No matter where we work or what we do, as volunteers, we should aim to have a positive impact on the people we meet.”
This is the caring philosophy of Ruth Nguyen. After arriving in Canada last September, she wasted no time in getting involved in her community. She registered with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and began volunteering at the Raymond Health Centre in November.
“I wanted to make a positive impact on my community and support the healthcare system,” says Nguyen. “The opportunity to help those in need — especially the long-term care residents — and contribute to the well-being of patients is a significant motivation for me.”
Nguyen wears many hats as a volunteer in continuing care. She does patient visitation and helps out with recreation therapy programs. She provides residents with pamper and polish treatments, painting nails and brushing hair. She assists with the baking program and decorates the long-term care unit for different holidays. She is also a member of the Raymond Hospital Auxiliary.
“I’m willing to help in any way I can, especially when it comes to pampering and pleasing the residents,” says Nguyen. “I consider them like my grandparents or my parents.”
She says it’s important to understand the unique wants and needs of each resident when you engage with them — and she’s done so quite effectively.
For example, she knows that Linda enjoys decorating, gardening and baking, that Betty doesn’t want to want to talk much but loves a good pamper and polish. She knows Floyd likes sharing his life stories and that his favourite flavour of candy is peach. And that Brian enjoys talking about trucks and believes that when he dies, he will go to heaven and be reunited with his wife.
“I find volunteering to be incredibly rewarding,” she adds. “I enjoy building relationships and seeing the meaningful change my efforts have on their well-being.
“It gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing that I’m making a difference in the lives of others.”
National Volunteer Week runs April 27 to May 3. Help us celebrate the contributions of our amazing volunteers.
Please take a moment to share your appreciation for volunteers on Thanks For Caring or by using the hashtag #NVW2025 on social media.
