GORE BAY—Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home volunteers make a huge positive impact in the lives of its residents, and their efforts were recognized at a lunch/reception held at the Lodge last week.
Jaime Kalmikov, lodge administrator welcomed everyone in attendance, “to our volunteer appreciation event. We wanted to thank all our very valuable and appreciated volunteers that put in so much time, effort and energy into our home.”
“Our volunteers at Manitoulin Lodge play such an important role in improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Ms. Kalmikov. “Throughout the year, they attend regular meetings to plan a multitude of events for our residents. Some of the events include men’s/ladies’ breakfast, lumberjack day, the annual Santa Claus parade, the annual resident Christmas party, being a companion on the Angel Bus and even those that drive the bus are dedicating their valuable time to our residents.”
“Not only have our volunteers put so much effort into events, but everything they do for our residents, from spending one on one time, escorting residents to their appointments, planning activities, running activities, bringing their pets in for visits, organizing events, baking, cooking for supper club, donating baked goods, and their very valuable time spent in our home, which is so amazing! The work our volunteers do is exceptional and we truly appreciate you all, and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our home!” said Ms. Kalmikov.
Ms. Kalmikov noted, “This will be our last event to celebrate our Manitoulin Lodge volunteers, as we look forward to our transition to St. Joseph’s Lodge and hope to continue to grow our St. Joseph’s Lodge volunteer group and expand all the wonderful contributions our volunteers bring to our home. Please join us in a round of applause for our amazing volunteers.”
“First I want to thank each and every one for all your support and caring over the years,” said Gloria Hall. “You truly do make a difference in the lives of many. No matter what you did or do, or how big or small the act was, it is important. There’s a saying, ‘you may not remember what was said but you will remember how it made you feel.’ You make the residents feel important and cared about.”
“If no one gave of their time. If no one cared about others, If no one showed kindness, if no one realized we are all sisters and brothers, what a terrible world this would be,” said Ms. Hall.
“Thankfully people like you, who give generously of their time, who offer kindness to others, and who help others in life’s challenging climb, make this world a better place,” said Ms. Hall. “We can’t tell you how much we appreciate you. We can’t express our thanks enough for all you willingly do in helping others when times are tough. This world needs more people like you!”
Ms. Hall explained, “I have been so lucky to have such a great group of volunteers. Volunteering in many ways, driving Angel Bus, volunteers to accompany residents on the Angel Bus, hair care, bingo, music, men’s and ladies’ breakfast, special events, teas, outings, one to one visiting, reading, pet therapy, pastoral care, supper club, decorating floats for the various parades, crafts to name a few. Many of these programs would not happen were it not for dedicated volunteers.”
Ms. Hall, who retired at the end of June, said “I hope you will continue to support Elizabeth Dahl as you have done for me and also support St. Joseph’s.”
“Your thoughtful ways impact many people’s day,” continued Ms. Hall. “You make a difference in people’s lives, helping them to thrive. Your smiling face brightens our day and you influence us to look at life in a positive way. You are willing to lend a hand; to do what is right and take a stand.”
“Thank you for everything you do. We couldn’t get along without you. May many blessings come back to you, or all you say and all you do,” said Ms. Hall. She said, “Kindness can transfer someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. Make a difference for another, today.”
“Just a thought, if you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito,” quipped Ms. Hall.
Lodge resident Jim Munro stated, “thank you so much for everything you (Ms. Hall) have done for the residents over the years.”
“My pleasure,” stated Ms. Hall, who noted everything she does and has done at the Lodge, “is for the residents.”
