Celebrating 700+ Volunteers During Volunteer Appreciation Week

Kitchener, ON | April 22, 2026 — From April 19 to 25, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is proud to join the national celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of more than 700 volunteers who dedicate their time and heart to our healthcare community.

These dedicated individuals are the backbone of the patient experience at WRHN, providing compassion and welcoming smiles to patients, families, and team members alike. Whether they are greeting a nervous visitor at the front door or supporting families in the Intensive Care Unit, our volunteers live our core values every day: putting people first, finding a way, thriving together, and being our best.

“Our volunteers are an important part of our patients’ experience and are an integral part of our care team. By providing support throughout the hospital in a variety of ways, they help our teams focus on delivering outstanding care,” says Pauline Rasmussen, the Manager of Volunteer Resources at WRHN. “We are truly grateful for their contributions to making WRHN a caring and compassionate place.”

Volunteers at WRHN serve in diverse capacities across the network, ensuring that high-quality care is matched by high-quality support. Their presence is felt across numerous healthcare services, including:

• Specialized Care: Cancer, Palliative, and Childbirth services.
• Acute Environments: Emergency, Day Surgery, and Intensive Care (ICU/CVICU).
• Support Services: Medical Imaging, Endoscopy, and Eye clinics.
• Direct Patient Engagement: Social visitors, the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), and Patient Registration.

WRHN is committed to ensuring that those who give their time receive a valuable and enriching experience in return. The Volunteer Resources Team provides a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where every member is recognized as a vital part of the workforce.

• Comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• Meaningful roles matched to their personal interests and availability.
• Clear communication and opportunities to provide feedback.
• The chance to make a tangible, positive impact on their local community.

WRHN is always looking for compassionate individuals to join our growing team. Volunteering is a powerful way to give back while gaining experience in a dynamic healthcare setting.

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Commitment of one three- or four-hour shift per week.
• A desire to support a caring and welcoming environment for all.

Those interested in making a difference are encouraged to visit the WRHN website to explore current opportunities in our Gift Shops, as Welcome Volunteers, or within our clinical departments.

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About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, we provide outstanding care that’s personal, seamless, and reimagined.

Learn more at WRHN.ca.

Media Contact:
Cassandra Easton
Public Affairs Lead
Waterloo Regional Health Network
[email protected]
519-584-5548