AHS celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 24-29

SOUTH ZONE — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is honouring the thousands of volunteers who play vital roles in support of patients, residents, families and staff. 

During National Volunteer Week, April 24-29, AHS Volunteer Resource departments in the South Zone will be thanking volunteers for their hard work and commitment with activities that include appreciation luncheons and awards presentations.

There are more than 1,800 active volunteers serving in the zone. 

Last year in Alberta, 13,620 AHS volunteers gave almost 995,000 hours of their time. South Zone volunteers contributed nearly 126,000 hours helping patients, families and visitors. 

Volunteers contribute in many ways, such as:

• Locating services within the hospital, getting patients active and moving around, visiting patients and residents in care, providing mealtime assistance and spiritual care services, and increasing patient engagement through games, outings, art activities and pet visitation programs.
• Serving as patient and family advisors on AHS working groups and decision-making committees. 
• Supporting staff, patients and clients in clinical areas, such as laboratories, diagnostic imaging, nursing units and pre-op assessment, as well as with home care, public health and other community services.
• Supporting staff with general duties, such as photocopying, folding linens and collecting wheelchairs.

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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