By Melissa Costello
The Junior Volunteer Program at the Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor provides an incredible opportunity for students to work with a number of health care professionals. The Program allows high school student to gain work experience and accumulate their community service hours by assisting staff in many areas. The residents, clients, and patients of the Hospital and Manor benefit from their interactions with the younger generation.
The 2014 Junior Volunteer Program will run at the Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor from June 30 to August 29. Junior Volunteers are students in and around the Almonte area who have graduated from Grade 8 or who are currently in high school.
The volunteers will work one week Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Four different job positions are available weekly for the Junior Volunteers to choose from. Students will be able to participate in such areas as Physiotherapy, Day Hospital, the Medical & Surgical Unit, the Obstetrics Unit, Rosamond Unit, Fairview Manor Recreation, Hairdressing, X-Ray, Administration, Volunteer Services and Gardening. General training is provided to all our students, as well as specific training for individual roles.
Some students also have the opportunity to volunteer year-round. “We Care” is a program that takes place during the school year for students attending Almonte & District High School. Twice a week after school, the students work with the Recreation Therapist to provide social activities on the Rosamond Unit.
Junior Volunteers come away from the program with valuable skills, knowledge and experiences that can be transferred to future endeavours on their journey through life.
Students will leave with an appreciation for those in the heath care system and a sense of accomplishment. On completion of this program, students receive a letter of reference, certificate and a signature on their school forms verifying they have completed hours of community service.
The program is almost full for this summer. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 613-256-2514, ext. 2226 or send an email to amcrae@agh-fvm.com. You can also visit www.almontegeneral.com and click on the Volunteers tab.
Melissa Costello is Student Volunteer Leader for the 2014 Junior Volunteer Program.