Volunteens set course for future

Program offers scholarships to students

Story by Heather Marcoux; and photo by Linda Mazure

Kaybree Mazure is only in Grade 11, but thanks to the Hospital Auxiliary Volunteens program at the Hardisty Health Centre, she is already pursuing a career in health care.

“I have gained so much knowledge during my two years in this program,” says the 16-year-old. “It shows you how much work goes into the running of a health care centre.”

It isn’t just the students who gain from the Volunteen program, but the residents enjoy it as well.

“I like visiting with young people,” says Ronald MacGillivary, a long-term care resident at the centre. “I just think it’s great to be able to get along with the younger generation.”

Through the Volunteen program, Mazure and other local students gain health care experience and the opportunity to apply for scholarships within the program.

“Any student with one year of Volunteens experience who goes on to pursue post-secondary studies for a medical career qualifies,” explains Shirley MacFadyen, the chairperson for the Volunteens program on behalf of the Hardisty Hospital Auxiliary.

Students pursuing a health care career qualify for $300 per year of study, up to a maximum of $1,200. The scholarship program was started by a local family, as a memorial for their daughter who was a registered nurse. The family provided scholarship funds for five years, before the auxiliary began funding the program 10 years ago.

“We’re hoping that our Volunteens will go into the health care field, and maybe even come back
to work here in Hardisty,” explains MacFadyen.

For Kaybree, who aspires to be a registered nurse, the Volunteen program is not only an opportunity to partially fund her post-secondary studies, but it is also a family tradition. Both her older sisters were Volunteens, and the family’s ties to the program goes back generations.

“Her grandmother was one of the ladies to start this program 40 years ago,” explains Kaybree’s
mother, Linda Mazure.

Over the years several of the Volunteens, including Kaybree, have been inspired by the staff at the Hardisty Health Centre. The busy high school student was particularly struck by the efforts of staff during a Christmas party for Hardisty’s long-term care residents.

“It was great seeing the residents visiting with their families, and it was awesome to see the looks on their faces when Santa shows up with stockings full of treats as well,” Kaybree says. “It goes to show you
how far beyond their jobs the staff go to make sure that every resident has a great Christmas.”

That involvement, Kaybree says, has helped to define her career path.

“My volunteer experience has helped me see my future in this profession.”