Friendly Visiting Volunteers: Creating Connection, Comfort and Compassion at Port Perry Hospital

At the Port Perry Hospital, healing extends beyond medical care.

Every week, a dedicated team of Friendly Visiting volunteers brings comfort, companionship, and human connection to patients who may feel lonely, anxious, or simply in need of a friendly face.

Through conversation, music, laughter, attentive listening, and quiet companionship, these volunteers make a meaningful difference, one visit at a time.

"A small gesture like Friendly Visiting is a minor act but leaves a huge impact on patients and the hospital community," says volunteer Eileen Gerber. "Humans, whether patients or hospital staff, need other humans in their lives."

For Eileen, the role is about forming genuine connections, listening without judgment, and ensuring patients know that someone truly cares about them.

More Than a Visit

For many patients, a Friendly Visiting volunteer may be the highlight of their day.

Volunteer Judy Anderson has brought joy to patients for more than 10 years. With her ukulele, colourful stockings, and infectious sense of humour, Judy encourages patients to sing along, share stories, and smile. She has witnessed remarkable moments, including patients recovering from strokes who have difficulty speaking but can still sing familiar songs.

"I love to bring fun and humour wherever I go," says Judy. "But sometimes it's just as important to sit quietly with someone so they don't feel alone."

The Power of Presence

The simple act of being present is a common thread among the Friendly Visiting team.

Volunteer Julie Bureau says a warm smile and eye contact can transform a patient's day.

"Patients help me more than I help them," Julie says. "Coming in with a big smile can make them want to smile too."

Whether she is handing out magazines, puzzles, and seasonal treats; sharing stories about the birds outside the hospital feeders; or simply holding a patient's hand, Julie believes kindness and positivity can brighten even the most difficult days.

Marilyn Lauricella recently joined the Friendly Visiting team after volunteering in other hospital roles for 15 years. She has found the experience both meaningful and humbling.

"A patient is more than a diagnosis," Marilyn explains, adding that patients have rich lives and experiences. "I feel privileged when they share a piece of their story with me."

She says that patients often appreciate having someone who will simply listen and provide comfort and companionship during their hospital stay.

Finding Common Ground

Many volunteers create connections through shared interests and memories.

Kathryn Papagiannis enjoys talking with patients about hobbies, pets, gardening, fishing, family, and favourite pastimes.

"It can be a very long day for some patients," she says. "If we can bring them a few minutes of joyful reminiscence, a puzzle, a book, or simply a friendly conversation, it can make all the difference."

Kathryn and her volunteer partner, Ellie LeBlanc, often discover meaningful connections with patients, creating moments of comfort and happiness through shared experiences.

Similarly, Natalie Schneider draws on her experience supporting her mother, who lived with dementia. Her training and personal understanding help her connect with patients living with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

"If you can tap back into their long-term memories, it can bring out such happiness," says Natalie. "If I can bring a smile to a patient's face, even just for an instant, they make my day."

Natalie also recognizes the importance of supporting family members who may simply need someone to listen.

Listening From the Heart

For Maggie Papp, Friendly Visiting is centred on listening.

"It's not important what we say. It's important what the patient has to say," she explains.

Having previously worked in home care, Maggie values the opportunity to build authentic connections with patients and give them the time and attention they need to share their stories.

"I really enjoy Friendly Visiting, knowing I can help in some way."

Small Moments, Lasting Impact

Volunteer Leslie Rideout believes the magic of Friendly Visiting happens in the small moments.

"The quantity of time doesn't matter as much as the quality," Leslie says. "The moment a patient realizes you're there just for them, that is when you know you've impacted their day in a positive way."

Whether delivering a magazine, chatting about a favourite topic, or visiting patients who receive few visitors, Leslie says volunteers help patients feel valued, seen, and heard.

The impact extends beyond patients. Friendly Visiting volunteers also support family members and complement the care provided by clinical teams by spending time with patients who may feel isolated.

A Team Connected by Compassion

While each volunteer brings their own personality, talents, and experiences, they all share a common purpose: creating meaningful human connections.

As Marilyn describes it, there is a "thread among us all" that ties the team together. Their compassion, kindness, and commitment can make a hospital stay feel a little less lonely and a little more hopeful.

Whether through a song, a smile, a story, a prayer, a puzzle, or simply a listening ear, the Friendly Visiting volunteers at the Port Perry Hospital remind us that healing often begins with connection.

Thank you to Eileen, Judy, Julie, Marilyn, Kathryn, Ellie, Maggie, Natalie, Nicky, and Leslie for the comfort, companionship, and joy you bring to patients every day.