Health Region looking for youth volunteers

Students will soon be signing up for after school activities and the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR) wants to remind them of the benefits of volunteering.

Sonya Jahn, director of volunteer services for the PAPHR, said they’re looking for 130 youth volunteers to help out at their facilities.

“Currently we are recruiting and looking for new volunteers, youth volunteers between the ages of grade eight through to grade 12, to help patients and residents and to help support these folks who are in either a hospitalized setting or in long-term care,” said Jahn.

Youth volunteers get the opportunity to interact with residents in the region’s long-term care facilities, including both the Herb Basset Home and Pine View Terrace. They also get to help out hospital patients.

Jahn said they may be doing something good for others, but volunteers are also doing something good for themselves.

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“While they’re volunteering their time, not only are they volunteering, they’re also able to observe the different professions working within our health care setting,” said Jahn. “It’s an opportunity, not only to help out others, but also to see if they may want to choose a healthcare career.”

Jahn also said volunteer work looks great on a resume for those applying to jobs and schools.

“Many different educational institutions are looking for people that volunteer their time,” said Jahn.

The program also improves skills in multiple areas. Jahn said they see major changes in students, from the beginning of the program compared to later in the year. 

“By the end of the program, not only do they have the ability to have more self-confidence and be more self-assured, they also build the skills of being able to interact with different types of people,” said Jahn. “It’s a really great experience for young people to have.”

For those thinking about getting involved, the deadline for application forms is September 11.is

“Our program actually gets filled very quickly and as a result, over the last couple of years, we’ve actually had a waiting list to get in to our youth program,” said Jahn.

To get an application, students can visit the Volunteer Services website, their department at The Victoria Hospital, or in the principal’s office at each school. Students must then return their application to the hospital. After passing an interview, new volunteers will begin orientation September 16 and 17, with the first week of volunteering beginning Monday September 21.

At the end of the year, youth volunteers are recognized and celebrated. Bursaries from the PAPHR are available to students planning on pursuing education in healthcare. The Prince Albert Lion’s club also offers two scholarships to volunteers enrolled in post-secondary education in any field. Volunteers who achieve 50 hours receive a silver certificate, and a gold certificate is awarded for 100 hours of service.

“It’s a wonderful partnership with the Prince Albert Lions club and we are truly grateful for all the contributions our volunteers make,” said Jahn.

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha