Diane Bartlett loves retirement. She walks with a swing in her step, and she expresses a joyful enthusiasm when she speaks about her life. She describes herself as a people-person and says her rosy disposition comes from her engagement with the local senior’s community.
An important part of her retirement has been the Lan-Char Support Centre in Lancaster. The centre offers a variety of programs and services that centre around healthy aging and connection. For the past 14 years, Diane has volunteered at the Diner’s Club, setting tables for the meals that are served to seniors three times a month, as well as helping the team out however she can.
Volunteering is just one part of how she helps Lan-Char but also how Lan-Char helps her. For the same length of time, she has been part of the centre’s exercise classes. Twice a week, she and the other 13 participants sweat through a great workout under the direction of instructor, Catherine.
Diane extols the physical benefits of exercise in helping with aches and preventing falls, but Diane also values the friendships she’s made with other seniors who attend classes regularly. She says the exercise program helps maintain her sense of joy because she has developed a “camaraderie” with others and made a few friends. She says, “It’s very positive.”
The International Federation of Ageing has stated, “the number one emerging issue facing seniors in Canada is keeping older people socially connected and active.” In rural communities, like the ones across Eastern Counties, isolation and inactivity can be especially common due to the lack of community and recreation resources. Research shows that an estimated 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated, and isolation often leads people into hospitals and long-term care.
For Diane, the Lan-Char Support Centre offers an easy way to connect with like-minded seniors in her community, but the result can be much greater. It helps her age well with connection, friendship, meaning, and joy. While not medical, these services can have a great impact on her health.
For Diane, the people she’s met through the Carefor community centre are an indispensable part of her life. She says caring for others is “a two-way street”. Through her volunteer work, she is helping others, and by engaging with the local community she is also caring for herself.
Carefor offers a variety of senior support programs. To find a program near you, please visit our website. https://carefor.ca/services/community-programs-seniors/
Myles Lynch’s parents didn’t know the life that was awaiting their son until a month after he was born. Born on September 13th, 1997, the doctors at CHEO discovered his condition a month later, diagnosing him with cystic fibrosis. For the rest of his life, Myles fought with all his might to stay alive, to remain positive in the face of adversity, and to leave a legacy for others.
A mother’s love knows no bounds and so his mother, Linda Lynch, took several years off work to care for Myles. When she eventually returned, she transferred Myles to the school she worked at as a gym teacher so she could keep a close eye on him.
Linda always encouraged Myles to exercise. His lungs could only reach 30% capacity at their fullest, but she encouraged him to join sports teams, and Myles was eager to participate. His experiences with team sports instilled a sense of accomplishment and belonging in Myles, even though he was spending months in and out of hospitals.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder which produces thick mucus in the lungs and digestive system. There is no known cure, but the condition can be managed with medications and a high-calorie diet.
While the median predicted survival age for individuals with cystic fibrosis is roughly 65 years of age, Myles had an especially challenging experience having a double lung transplant at 17 due to deterioration and then two more double lung transplants due to chronic rejection.
The surgery for the third transplant was especially grueling, and for four days after the operation Myles remained in a coma, Linda not knowing whether her son was alive or dead. It was a moment of great relief when the doctors woke him up. Myles sat up in his bed, then stood up, then walked out of the ICU to be with his family again.
His family and the doctors who cared for him did everything they could to help Myles live a great life, but eventually his lungs gave up. Myles passed away on December 31, 2021. He was 24 years old.
Myles’s wish was to pass away at home and with Cornwall Hospice’s support he was able to do so surrounded by friends and family. Linda and the rest of Myles’s family were grateful for the support they received. “We understand the importance of people wanting to pass away at home,” says Angela Labelle, Hospice Manager. “Many people think of Hospice as a building, but our services extend into the community as well.”
The Healing Journey Begins
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable and there is no right way to heal. For Linda a big part of her healing journey included volunteering at Hospice where she started volunteering with patients in their final stages of life. “Volunteering was a way to open the gate,” says Linda. She says she felt trapped and alone in her grief at times but by “opening the gate” to others through her volunteer work she was able to channel her energy towards building community and being of service.
Linda also participates every year in Carefor Hospice Cornwall’s annual fundraising event, Hike for Hospice. She values physical exercise, but she also emphasizes the spiritual aspect of walking together with others for a good cause as a way of moving forward. She says, “You need to get out there, face others, and just keep going.”
Learn more about Myles Lynch:
To join Linda and others at this year’s Hike for Hospice, for a day celebrating those we love, register at https://carefor.ca/event/hike-for-hospice/
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the recent passing of Glenna MacKenzie, former Chair of Carefor’s Board of Directors, and an Honorary Life Member since November 2021.
Glenna’s commitment to Carefor and the communities we serve spanned decades. She first joined the VON Board of Directors in 1987, a role that marked the beginning of her extraordinary journey with Carefor.
Her leadership and vision shaped much of what Carefor is today and her contributions to the organization and the broader community are far too numerous to count.
Glenna championed every Carefor endeavour with passion and generosity—her most recent donation to the “Care for Seniors with Melanie” campaign coming just weeks ago.
Her dedication to our mission, vision, and values is woven into the very fabric of Carefor. Her legacy will live on through all we do and through her son, John MacKenzie, who serves as our current Board Chair and her granddaughter Kyra Swift who is a community member on Carefor’s Finance and Risk Management committee.
The loss of Glenna will be felt profoundly by the Carefor family and throughout the Ottawa Valley. Our thoughts are with John, Kyra, and the MacKenzie family at this difficult time.
https://www.murphyfuneralhome.ca/memorials/glenna-joyce-mackenzie/5671679
When Patricia moved to Pembroke four years ago, she hoped to meet new people and give back to her community. She found the Carefor Friendly Visiting Program and was matched with Therese, a 96-year-old woman living in a local retirement home. What began as a simple volunteer visit has grown into a deep and lasting friendship. They’ve been meeting every week for over three years.
“I brought games on the first day,” Patricia says, “but Therese said, ‘No, no, we’re just going to talk.’ And we haven’t stopped talking since.”
Both women are mothers, grandmothers, and have lived full lives. They connect over shared experiences, from politics and parenting to baseball and aging. One of Therese’s favourite memories? “My son took me to see the Blue Jays in Toronto,” she says proudly. “It was wonderful.”
Patricia, who is retired, finds comfort in her talks with Therese. “She used to be a nurse, so I can talk to her about things I don’t want to burden my family with. It’s not just small talk—it’s meaningful.”
Even in the summer, when Patricia spends time at her cottage, the connection stays strong. “I call her every week from Lakefield,” she says. “We always stay in touch.” For Therese, who has family living far away, the visits bring connection and joy. “My sons call every night, but it’s not the same as seeing someone. I didn’t think I wanted a visitor but Patricia is different. She’s a friend.”
Friendly visiting helps reduce isolation and loneliness, which can seriously affect seniors’ health. It’s not just about companionship—it’s about well-being. “I think people assume volunteering is about giving,” Patricia says. “But I’ve received so much in return. It brightens my week.”
The commitment is small—just an hour or two a week—but the impact is huge. Patricia encourages others to try it. “If you have a caring heart and a little time, you’ll get back more than you ever expected.”
Want to become a Friendly Visiting Volunteer?
Carefor is always looking for kind, compassionate people. Visit carefor.ca or contact your local office at 613-732-9993 to learn more. Because sometimes, a simple visit can change two lives—for good.
Twenty-nine years ago, Fay Mather decided it was time to try something new. She hadn’t volunteered before, but thought, why not? She found herself at Carefor’s Carling Adult Day Program, supporting seniors living with dementia. She had no way of knowing then that it would become not just a routine, but a defining part of her life.
“I just thought, give it a try and see how it goes,” Fay says simply. She liked it so much, she never left—except for the pandemic shutdown, she has been showing up ever since.
Her 29 years are divided into two chapters: the first 14 years volunteering with people living with dementia, and the past 15 years at the Let’s Get Together Club, a day program focused on seniors dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Though the programs and the faces have changed, Fay’s dedication to helping others has been unwavering.
Every Monday, Fay arrives by 8:30 a.m., ready for a full day. She does everything from helping serve meals, setting up activities, and playing games, to most importantly, offering her time, her kindness, and her attention. For many of the seniors who attend the program, Fay might be one of the only familiar faces they see all week.
“A lot of these people live alone,” Fay explains. “They come here for socialization. It’s important for them to feel comfortable and included, and that’s part of my job—making them feel like they belong.”
It’s the human connection that Fay provides that truly makes a difference. When someone new arrives, nervous and unsure, Fay is often the first to greet them, to sit with them, to listen. Over time, she sees them open up. They begin to smile more, to talk about their lives, their challenges, and even their dreams. For people who have often lost connections to friends, family, or community, having someone to talk to—someone who genuinely listens—is powerful medicine.
“At first, they’re hesitant. They don’t know what to expect. But the more they come, the more they relax. They start making the program their own,” Fay says. “And when they know they have someone who will listen, it makes a difference.”
Fay’s background as a nurse—and later as a nursing instructor—shines through. She has a natural way of making people feel safe. Her patience and compassion are second nature. Though she isn’t there in an official counseling role, her listening ear and warm presence are exactly what many seniors need.
Sometimes, seniors share worries about housing, struggles with loneliness, or anxieties about their health. While Fay always refers them to staff when needed, often just having someone to talk to eases their burden.
“I’m here to be a friend,” Fay says. “Not to fix everything, but to be someone who listens and cares.”
Volunteering has evolved over the years for Fay. When she first started, it was purely about helping others. Now, it also enriches her own life. In her 80s, she views her weekly volunteering as an essential part of her wellbeing—a reason to get up, get moving, and stay connected.
“It’s my day away. It starts my week. It gives me purpose,” she says. “As long as I enjoy coming, I’ll keep coming. The day I don’t enjoy it anymore, that’ll be the day I stop.”
Over the years, Fay has witnessed hundreds of stories, countless personalities, and endless small triumphs. Some faces stay in her memory more vividly than others, but what binds them all together is the simple fact that they found a place to belong—and Fay helped create that space.
In a world where loneliness and isolation are growing issues for seniors, Fay’s steady presence is a reminder of the extraordinary difference one person can make, simply by showing up with an open heart.
Today, as Fay circulates around the room chatting with Club members, she reflects on her journey not with grand words, but with quiet pride. Volunteering, for her, has never been about accolades. It has always been about people—about care, about connection, and about community.
And for Fay Mather, there’s no better way to spend a Monday.
Carefor offers opportunities for people looking to volunteer in Ottawa. To learn more about Carefor’s Let’s Get Together Club, visit our website and to volunteer visit our volunteering page.
People are the heart of every community — their energy, kindness, and commitment are what bring it to life. In South Stormont, that heartbeat is stronger thanks to volunteers like Bonnie Antoine, whose dedication helps keep Carefor’s South Stormont Seniors Support Centre in Ingleside thriving.
The Centre is a vibrant hub where local seniors can gather, stay active, and enjoy social connection. Whether it’s through fitness classes, writing clubs, bingo games, or group dinners, there’s always something happening — and behind the scenes, volunteers like Bonnie make it all possible.
Bonnie has been a volunteer at the Centre for over four years. For her, it’s more than just lending a hand — it’s about making a difference while doing something she genuinely enjoys. A naturally creative spirit, Bonnie often helps lead craft activities, drawing on her passion for card-making and scrapbooking. But her talents don’t stop there. She’s also served meals, decorated for events, organized programs, and even helped with fundraising.
“It’s rewarding to do something I enjoy, and to see it bring joy to others,” she says.
The Centre offers a wide variety of programs that benefit not only seniors but the wider community. Meals are delivered to those living in isolation, coffee clubs and social groups provide companionship, and game days keep spirits high. One particularly special initiative brings students from nearby schools to participate in intergenerational art days — a chance for young and old alike to learn from each other and share stories.
“It’s a positive experience for everyone,” Bonnie explains. “You get to meet new people, hear different perspectives, and be part of something bigger.”
The environment at the Centre is warm and welcoming — a true community. Bonnie describes it as a place where everyone looks out for each other. Her handcrafted decorations have become a highlight at events, especially the centrepieces she lovingly creates for group dinners. “People really appreciate the effort,” she says with a smile. “It makes them feel special — and that makes me feel good, too.”
For Bonnie, volunteering is more than giving back — it’s being part of something she deeply cares about. Having lived in the area her whole life, she sees her time at the Centre as a way to invest in the community that raised her.
“It just feels right,” she says. “It’s a good feeling for yourself, and it makes others feel good too.”
Thanks to Bonnie and others like her, the South Stormont Seniors Support Centre continues to be a space where connections flourish, and people feel seen, supported, and valued. Her advice to anyone considering volunteering?
“Do it.”
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about how you can support the Centre, click here. You could be the reason someone smiles today. Click here to learn more.
In today’s world, having access to transportation is more than just a convenience — it’s a necessity. For many, it’s something easily taken for granted, but Greg Davidson sees it differently — he knows just how vital a ride can be. In a community where public transportation doesn’t exist, services like Carefor’s non-urgent medical transportation can be the difference between someone getting to a medical appointment and not. This is where Greg comes in.
After retiring in June 2024, Greg was looking for a meaningful way to give back. In February, he found his answer with Carefor, volunteering as a driver in Renfrew County. Combining his love of driving with his passion for helping others, he now spends his days making sure people get to where they need to be — safely, comfortably, and on time.
Most of Greg’s rides are to medical appointments — around 95% of them, in fact, are to the hospital. For clients who might otherwise miss crucial care, his help is nothing short of essential.
But Greg brings more than just a vehicle to the table — he brings heart. His easygoing, friendly nature makes a big difference, especially when passengers are dealing with stress, illness, or anxiety. A simple chat, a reassuring presence, or even just a smile can make all the difference.
“Sometimes people are upset or nervous about their appointments,” Greg explains. “I just try to be calm and kind — it goes a long way.”
What does Greg love most about volunteering?
“It feels wonderful,” he says. “Seeing the happiness on people’s faces when I help them — that’s the reward. It means a lot to them, and it means a lot to me.”
Though he’s only been volunteering a few months, Greg has already become a valued part of the Carefor community. He’s quick to praise the staff and the organization: “I can’t say enough good things. The program is incredibly well-run, and the people are very professional.”
Volunteers like Greg are the lifeblood of Carefor’s services. Their time, dedication, and kindness ensure that clients receive the support they need — whether it’s a ride to the hospital, a warm conversation, or simply knowing that someone cares.
Greg’s advice to anyone thinking about volunteering?
“Do not hesitate,” he says. “It’s a wonderful experience.”
Giving your time might seem like a small gesture, but to someone in need, it can mean everything. As the saying goes, what goes around comes around — and when you give kindness, you often receive even more in return.
Want to make a difference?
Join people like Greg and help drive your community forward. To learn more about volunteering with Carefor, click here.
Just as life is a journey filled with love, connection, and meaning — so too is the final chapter. And while the end of life can be one of the most difficult paths to walk, it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. At Carefor Hospice Cornwall, people like Rosemary Abell and her husband Rick walk that journey alongside others, offering comfort, dignity, and care when it’s needed most.
Rosemary has been volunteering with the hospice for over fourteen years, having joined shortly after her retirement. Rick followed her lead, becoming a volunteer himself in July 2024. Together, they are a compassionate team — giving their time, hearts, and energy to support individuals and families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
For both, hospice work is deeply meaningful.
“We believe in Hospice,” Rosemary shares. “It’s about offering quality of life at the end of life — not just for the residents, but also for their families and loved ones.”
Carefor Hospice Cornwall is more than just a place for peaceful endings. It’s a community built on empathy and human connection. From bereavement support to specialized palliative care, it provides essential services to adults and children navigating grief and loss. And it wouldn’t be possible without volunteers.
In fact, nearly half of the hospice’s funding comes from volunteer-led fundraising efforts — a testament to the power of community support. Volunteers like Rosemary and Rick not only give their time but also play a vital role in ensuring the hospice remains open and accessible for those who need it most.
Their impact hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“There isn’t a day where someone doesn’t thank us,” Rick says. “It’s humbling. People are genuinely grateful.”
The couple works closely with both staff and residents, forming relationships rooted in kindness and respect. Rosemary often spends one-on-one time with patients — sitting, listening, simply being present. Whether it’s sharing a quiet moment, participating in group activities, or helping with seasonal celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, every act of care matters.
“Hospice is a place where people take time for each other,” Rosemary reflects. “And I’m honoured to be one of those people.”
For Rosemary and Rick, volunteering is more than a routine — it’s a calling. Despite the emotional challenges, they find immense fulfillment and joy in their work. Hospice has become a place not of endings, but of meaningful moments — where final chapters are written with compassion, laughter, and love.
“It’s not about sadness,” Rosemary says. “It’s about making the time that’s left as beautiful as possible.”
Their story is a powerful reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, there is still light. There is still love. And there is still the ability to make a difference.
Interested in learning more about Carefor Hospice Cornwall?
Click here to explore the services they offer.
Thinking about becoming a volunteer?
Click here to discover how you can help bring comfort, care, and joy to those who need it most.
Shirley Sunstrum has been a volunteer driver for Carefor for the past 10 years. Three times a week she gets behind the wheel of her Honda HR-V and takes Carefor clients to their health care appointments. “Initially I started out doing local driving, basically took people to mental health programs, eye appointments, medical doctors,” she says. “And then I decided to do some of the long-distance drives. I have a call to take a lady for a medical appointment in Ottawa today.”
When we think about healthcare, we often think of it in terms of locations: hospitals, clinics, offices and homes. However, we often don’t think of what we don’t see, and in the cars of people like Shirley is a service that ties these health care services together for many people. As one of our drivers, Gary Hobbes, said, “What good is a doctor’s appointment if you can’t get to it?”
And there are many people who rely on non-urgent medical transportation. Coordinated out of our Renfrew County and Eastern Counties offices, Carefor drivers provided over 41,000 rides to over 37,000 people last year alone.
While many of the people providing these rides are paid Carefor employees, there are approximately 30 people like Shirley who volunteer their time to help make sure people access the care they need. “Without our volunteers, many people wouldn’t be able to get to their vital medical appointments,” says Transportation Supervisor, Greg Stevenson.
In Renfrew County where Shirley is based, there isn’t any public transit and taxis are prohibitively expensive, especially for people living on a fixed income. As the majority of people who use the service are seniors or people living with mental health challenges, cost can be a real barrier to accessing local health care services.
The cost of Carefor’s transportation services depend on distance, but relative to other services, are far more affordable. “Seniors benefit especially from that,” says Shirley. “It’s door to do. If you take a bus, they can’t take one with a walker.” While Carefor employs drivers, volunteers like Shirley allow us to offer more rides to more people. But the benefit isn’t just to our clients.
Shirley is quick to recognize the value that volunteering has on her. “For me, it lets me help the community,” she says. “I was looking for something to do because I’m not the type of person to sit around. The driving is two-fold. It gets me up and out the door in the morning, and it helps people.”
As someone who lives alone, Shirley also recognizes the connection the service offers seniors and people living with mental health challenges, many of whom are alone. “The value of transportation in healthcare is huge, especially for people who are alone. They don’t have anyone to call for a drive. I think it’s a tremendous service.”
Thank you, Shirley and all our volunteer drivers who offer their time and kindness to help people in their communities who are going through challenging times. You offer comfort and connection. You help people feel less alone and are an essential link in our health care system.
Carefor offers non-urgent medical transportation as part of our community services. To learn more about our community programs in Pembroke-Renfrew County or to learn more about being a volunteer driver for Carefor or any type of volunteering with us, please visit our website.
For Carefor’s Vice-President of Client Care, Marcelle Thibeault, Carefor’s volunteers are woven into the fabric of our organization. “Our organization couldn’t operate without them,” she says. “Volunteers are committed and engaged to our cause. They help us for the right reasons.”
In the six months that Marcelle has been with Carefor she has seen how the efforts of volunteers have touched so many programs and even more lives. From our meal delivery in Eastern Counties to Hospice Cornwall to our adult day programs in Ottawa to our transportation program in Renfrew County and many places in between, volunteers have not only allowed Carefor to provide the volume of services we do each year but also the quality of service.
“Volunteers offer a one-on-one connection with people,” says Marcelle. “For some people, our volunteers can be the only contact they have. They help people be seen and help them deal with challenging times in their lives. They’re an emotional lifeline.”
Volunteering isn’t just one thing. It can be anything from sorting food at a food bank to picking up trash at a park. The type of volunteering that Carefor offers is the interpersonal type that brings people together, creating a connection that benefits not only the client but also the volunteer.
This is the type of volunteering Marcelle is familiar with. Throughout her career she has acted as a mentor to people more junior in their careers giving them her time and expertise to help them learn and grow in their careers. “You have to invest in people,” she says understanding the transactional nature of volunteering. “I have as much to learn from them as they do from me.”
For Marcelle, her experience volunteering was born from the mentorship she received early in her career, which helped her forge her path in nursing. What often brings Carefor’s volunteers to us is their desire to help people, one which they have carried with them through their lives. Many of them are people who are older and whose children have moved out. “They still have a desire to help,” says Marcelle. “Volunteering in support of people helps people contribute in a meaningful way.”
Prior to the pandemic, Carefor benefitted from an unbelievable 1,000 plus volunteers. Since the pandemic, many have been unable to return. “It’s something you see everywhere,” says Marcelle. “People’s families had greater need and people had to make choices.” The ones who have returned and the new volunteers have been invaluable in helping us give seniors in Eastern Ontario the chance to be seen and to feel connected. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for Carefor, we’d love to speak with you. Visit carefor.ca/volunteer to learn more.
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