The Heart of the Bowmanville Hospital: How Volunteers Create a Caring Community

When you walk through the doors of Bowmanville Hospital, one thing is certain – you'll be greeted with a warm smile and helping hands. At the heart of these gestures is the Association of Hospital Volunteers Bowmanville – a dynamic group of individuals who play a key role in providing comfort, care, support and connection to everyone they meet.

For Isabel Peat, the association's recently appointed president, volunteering isn’t just about giving back – it’s a way of life. With 35 years of service spanning both the Bowmanville and Oshawa Hospitals and beyond, Isabel is a living testament to the transformative power of volunteerism.

“It all started with an application form on a bulletin board,” Isabel recalls, smiling as she reflects on her journey. “I just wanted to do something meaningful at the time, and I never could have imagined how much I would gain from the experience.”

Creating a Community of Care

Today, the Association boasts over 110 dedicated members who serve in various roles throughout the hospital. From providing comforting activities for children in the emergency department to assisting patients and families at the hospitality desk, recreation therapy, Eye Centre, and Fracture Clinic, the volunteers are committed to reducing stress and making every hospital visit as seamless as possible. The Association is one of four auxiliaries across Lakeridge Health that works in partnership with the Volunteer Resources team to support hospital volunteers.

“It’s about being there for people – helping them feel less alone in what can often be a very overwhelming experience,” Isabel explains.

Some of the Association’s most cherished initiatives in this way include the mobile cart in the emergency department, stocked with small books and crayons for children and puzzles for adults. It’s a small gesture with a big impact, brightening what can often be a long and stressful wait. In addition, Recreation Therapy volunteers help to bring comfort and support to patients in the Complex Continuing Care Units. 

Another cornerstone of volunteer service is fundraising. The association runs the New to You shop located at 133 Church Street, Bowmanville, a thrift store that sells gently used clothing and household items. Run entirely by volunteers, the shop raises significant funds for the hospital while fostering a sense of community among donors and shoppers alike. “We rely so much on the public to donate items to the store during business hours,” Isabel shares.

Honouring a Legacy

One of the most exciting developments of 2024 was the renaming of Anna’s Place, the hospital’s gift shop and café, in honour of a beloved 60-year volunteer. Isabel speaks fondly of Anna’s legacy, noting how it continues to inspire new generations of volunteers.

“Anna was a role model for everything we stand for,” she says. “Renaming the shop after her is a reminder of the lasting impact one person can have.”

The shop itself is a hub of activity, offering not just giftware and snacks but also a sense of comfort for patients and visitors. Along with funds raised from the New to You store, every purchase at Anna’s Place supports the hospital’s redevelopment efforts, with funds going toward state-of-the-art equipment that will eventually find a home in the new hospital build.

“The AHVB has made a one-million-dollar commitment, over ten years, to the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation and we’re halfway there. Every item sold in our two retail stores helps us get closer to this commitment,” Isabel notes.

Looking Ahead

With a redevelopment of the Bowmanville Hospital on the horizon, the volunteers are excited about what the future holds. Doubling in size and featuring private rooms for all patients, the new facility promises to be a game-changer for the community.

“The redevelopment represents a culmination of decades of dedication from countless volunteers who have poured their hearts into the hospital,” Isabel shares. “However, it’s not just about building a bigger hospital; it’s about creating a space that will meet the needs of our growing community for years to come.”

A Life of Giving

When asked what keeps her volunteering after all these years, Isabel doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the smiles, the thank-yous, and the sense of making a difference,” she says. “People think volunteering is about giving, but you receive so much more in return.”

As she reflects on her journey, Isabel is quick to credit the entire volunteer team. At a recent general meeting, they honoured volunteers with service ranging from five to 35 years, a testament to the enduring spirit of giving that defines the association.

“If you make it through the first year, you’re hooked,” Isabel laughs. “It becomes a part of who you are.”

To learn more about volunteering at Lakeridge Health, click here.