CEO Blog: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank all the incredible volunteers who support Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC).

Throughout my career in healthcare, I have had the privilege of working alongside volunteers in hospitals and healthcare settings across Ontario, including during my many years as a nurse, and I can confidently say our volunteers at MAHC are among the best. We are so fortunate to have passionate and dedicated volunteers as part of the South Muskoka and Huntsville Hospital Auxiliaries and our committees. 

Our Auxiliaries volunteers run events and community initiatives, fundraise, support daily operations, and most importantly, bring enthusiasm and kindness to everything they do. I have seen firsthand just how important they are to our teams, our patients, and our communities. They are often the first smile someone sees when they walk through our hospital doors, the friendly face serving coffee, the person helping a visitor find their way, or the volunteer creating a welcoming atmosphere in our common spaces. They help our hospitals feel more connected and more caring.

In Bracebridge, I often stop by Muskoka Mocha for a morning coffee and a chat with our volunteers. In Huntsville, I enjoy connecting with the volunteers in the lobby gift shop. These small moments have brightened my day, and I know they do the same for our staff, patients, and visitors.

Our Patient and Family Advisory Committee, make an incredible contribution to MAHC. They help us improve tools, programs, and communications for the patients and families we serve. Their time, ideas, and commitment are vital to advancing patient-centred care.

Our CEO Advisory Committee volunteers also make a huge impact on MAHC. As a diverse group of community leaders, they provide valuable guidance, insight, and feedback to me, MAHC leadership, and our teams. Their time, thought leadership, and commitment help ensure our capital redevelopment plans and other healthcare initiatives reflect the needs of the growing communities we serve.

Time is one of the most precious things we can give, and our volunteers give theirs so generously. To me, what stands out most is the pride all our volunteers have in our hospitals and the joy they bring to their roles. Their passion is contagious, and their impact is felt far beyond the initiatives and roles they support. They help strengthen the connection between our hospitals and the communities we serve.

On behalf of our hospitals, staff, and communities, thank you to our Auxiliaries, committee members, and all our volunteers. Thank you for your time, your generosity, your compassion, and your unwavering support of MAHC. You truly make a difference every day, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.

-        Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare