Back to SearchThe contribution and positive impact of volunteers in a long-term care home setting cannot be overstated.
Those who give freely of their time to benefit the residents of Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke were honoured recently at a volunteer appreciation garden party in the courtyard of the long-term care home, which is funded jointly by the County of Renfrew and City of Pembroke.
This marked the first volunteer gathering since the start of the pandemic. While activities were curtailed by COVID-19, the hope is that things can get back to normal so volunteers can resume regular activities once again.
Paul Moreau, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk for the County of Renfrew, noted he had not been at a volunteer appreciation event at the Lodge since 2018, but he is happy to see the spirit and energy of the volunteers is still evident.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of what we do here and how we support our residents,” Mr. Moreau said. “Now that we are getting back to normal, we can reengage with our volunteers and Foundation and start to reenergize and make this a welcoming home for our residents to reside. Thank you for all you do at Miramichi Lodge. We could not deliver our programs without you.”
Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson was in attendance and brought greetings on behalf of County Council and noted all members are well aware of the value brought into the home by volunteers.
“We can only provide so much as an organization and a municipal council and you provide all the extras,” the Warden said. “Thank you for every minute of every day that you spend with the residents. Volunteering is about the gift of time. The time you provide this home and its residents is invaluable and we do not take that for granted.”
Councillor Michael Donohue, chair of the County Health Committee, commended the resiliency of the volunteers and their ability to respond to challenges and continue to add vibrancy and colour to the lives of the residents.
“In volunteerism, if you find that thing you truly enjoy doing, it’s actually bringing more energy back than you are expending, and it fills you up; I know what you are doing in this community is truly vital,” he said. “Accept my gratitude for everything you do for this community, the broader community and for the families of the residents of Miramichi Lodge; it truly is an outstanding effort.”
Mike Blackmore, director of long-term care for the County of Renfrew, offered his sincere appreciation to the volunteers for all they do to enrich the lives of the residents at the Lodge.
“Our Miramichi Lodge volunteers exemplify what it is to give of oneself and to give during what has been an extraordinary time, where one could easily refocus on their own needs,” Mr. Blackmore said. “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary people, people such as yourselves who have and continue to give selflessly to bring joy and great meaning to the residents of Miramichi Lodge.”
During the afternoon, the volunteers enjoyed entertained by Bernadette Kelly and were able to add messages to painted rocks, which could be taken home and placed in their own gardens or left at the Lodge to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
Miramichi Lodge recently hosted a volunteer appreciation garden party. Taking part in the event, held in the courtyard, were (front from left) Kelsey Wagstaff, Social Worker and Acting Client Program Supervisor; Brandon Harwood, resident volunteer; Margaret Cavanagh, Ladies Auxiliary and (back from left) Paul Moreau, County of Renfrew CAO/Clerk; Steve Boland, Miramichi Lodge Foundation and Meals on Wheels; Mike Blackmore, Director of Long-term Care; Gary Severin, Miramichi Lodge Foundation; Councillor Michael Donohue, Health Committee chair; Barb McGonegal, Miramichi Lodge Foundation, Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson and Sandra Sell, Miramichi Lodge Foundation. County of Renfrew photo
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