The National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, 2013, is a special time to celebrate local people doing extraordinary things through service for our community and the people that live here.
Hospice of Haines’ board and staff would like to express our immense appreciation and gratitude to the more than 40 individuals serving our Chilkat Valley as in-home hospice, bridge and bereavement care volunteers. You absolutely make a difference every day, and we are thankful for you!
Hospice volunteers are unique individuals with a deep compassion for those who are terminally ill or have life-limiting conditions. They give selflessly of their time and energy to our clients: holding a hand that is in need of gentle touch or reading a book that tired eyes can no longer see. They provide respite for the caregivers, sitting at the bedside with a smile and quiet presence to one who needs both. Volunteers may also creatively spend time with their clients checking mail, shopping for groceries, sharing stories over lunch and providing needed companionship. Hospice of Haines volunteers are extremely flexible, punctual, reliable, and sensitive. They give of their hearts.
Our volunteers come from many backgrounds and have a large range of life experiences. They are male, female, young, old, business people, retirees, nurses and more. Regardless of their backgrounds, our hospice volunteers share the commonality of compassionate and caring hearts. And, most of all, they want to make a difference! Thank you for all that you do.
Shannon McPhetres, Hospice of Haines
Volunteer Coordinator