For the past 35 years, JH Partners has played a vital role in co-ordinating volunteer efforts that support the English-speaking community, with a strong focus on health and social services. Last week marked National Volunteer Week, and so we took this occasion to host our annual happy hour in partnership with students of the Getting Involved class at CEGEP Champlain-St. Lawrence, to recognize and celebrate the incredible con- tributions our volunteers have made over the past year.

Across our various programs, volunteers have supported more than 130 different activities. Their impact reaches multiple sites, including McGreevy Manor, Saint Brigid’s Home, the Jeffery Hale Pavilion and the Day Centre there, as well as throughout the community. From assisting with grocery shopping and offering friendly visits to driving seniors to medical appointments through the We Drivers program, volunteers help ensure essential services remain accessible to those who need them most.

At Saint Brigid’s Home alone, volunteers contributed over 3,600 hours across 65 activities in the past year. In addition, nearly 200 volunteers came together to support the annual Community Christmas Hamper Campaign, demonstrating the power of collective generosity. Our volunteers contribute their experience and skills to enhance services and programs for people of all ages.

Some stay for just a short time, while others have been with us for decades – some even marking 30 years of service. What unites them is a shared sense of purpose and the deep fulfillment that comes from giving back.

As one We Driver shared, “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to JH Partners’ We Drivers program. I appreciate the team’s support and have truly enjoyed engaging with our community. It has been an immensely rewarding experience.”

A Friendly Visitor echoed this sentiment, saying, “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of your team. This has been such a meaningful and rewarding experience for me.”

Each year, our services continue to evolve to meet the community’s growing needs. We are deeply thankful to our volunteers for their time, dedication and commitment to improving the well-being of others.

If you are interested in making a difference, we encourage you to get involved. Visit jhpartners.net/we-volunteer to learn more. We are currently seeking volunteers for the We Drivers program, grocery-shopping assistance, and Friendly Visits to support seniors living at home. Even if you don’t have access to a car, a valid driver’s licence is enough; we now possess a van for these essential services.