By Charlene Tebbutt

Health authority recognizes local youths’ volunteerism

May 24, 2018 | 12:00 PM

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has recognized several young volunteers from the Prince Albert area. 

Young people from across the local region attended a recognition ceremony Wednesday at Pineview Terrace Lodge in Prince Albert  The ceremony followed another successful year for the health authority’s youth volunteer program, which continues to grow and now has a waiting list for new volunteers.

Sonya Jahn, director of volunteer services with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said many of the youths spent the school year working with patients and long-term residents in Prince Albert and other area communities. The volunteers led crafts, played piano, painted residents’ nails, played cards with the residents and read to them from the news.

While the patients and long-term residents enjoy the company, Jahn said the volunteers also benefit from the program by gaining new skills and valuable work experience.

“They bring fun and excitement and that ray of sunshine to the residents when they come in to volunteer,” Jahn said. “It’s exciting to see that children and students are interested in volunteering their time.”  

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Volunteers Melina Mercier, Rachel Pelechaty and Alyssa Furber have been volunteering for several years, and will finish Grade 12 in June before moving on to university studies. The students have volunteered throughout high school and said they have all built on their people skills skills during their time as volunteers.  

“I’ve learned that in the hospital can be a lonely time,” Mercier said. “I feel as though I can bring a light to their day and keep them company … I know that if I was in their position I’d want someone to come visit me.”

The youth volunteer program will get underway again in the fall. In the meantime, Jahn said students can still help out throughout the summer at various events.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt