Volunteer Resources

The Volunteer Resources Department is committed to the development, implementation and maintenance of exceptional volunteer programs that support and assist patients and visitors of Guelph General Hospital, while providing a rewarding experience for the volunteer.

The mission, vision, values and policies of Guelph General Hospital guide all planning organizing, directing, supervising, and evaluating of volunteer programs.

Our department is the liaison and works in co-operation with the Volunteer Association’s Board of Directors.

Key Volunteer Services

• Recruitment, selection, orientation, training, placement, evaluation and record keeping for all volunteer positions in the hospital
• Ongoing support and recognition of over 300 volunteers
• Education and awareness of volunteer programs in the hospital
• Research, development and implementation of new volunteer programs that support the mission and vision of the hospital, while assisting staff, patients and visitors
• Supporting the Volunteer Association Board of Directors and the Retail Manager

The Guelph General Hospital Volunteer Association

All GGH volunteers are members of The Guelph General Hospital Volunteer Association which celebrated its 123rd anniversary in 2020. The Volunteer Association is incorporated and operates three revenue producing services. Proceeds are donated to the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital for the purchase of patient equipment.

Over the years, revenues from the business have allowed the Volunteer Association to donate well over $1.4 million for the hospital.

The Volunteer Association has an employee who oversees the revenue services. Volunteers commit to weekly shifts to ensure the services are available to patients, staff and visitors.

The GGH Volunteer Association:

• Provides Angel Pins for each patient upon completion of their Chemotherapy Treatment
• Provides afghans for patients in many areas of the hospital (ie: chemotherapy, palliative, dialysis etc.)
• Has donated over $1.4 million to the Foundation
• Is responsible to organize the vendors who visit the hospital (i.e.: uniforms, jewellery)
• Provides a $500 bursary to the highest academic average nursing student each year at Conestoga College/McMaster University

Mission Statement

Guelph General Hospital Volunteers are dedicated to patient-centred care by providing non-medical support and services for patients, staff, and visitors in a positive environment. We will ensure all of our activities and interactions are done with a spirit of compassion, cooperation, teamwork and respect.

Vision Statement

We will be recognized as people helping people, making a difference to those around us.

The Courtyard Boutique

The Hospital’s gift shop is located in the main lobby on Level 1. While the store itself is closed due to the pandemic, it offers online shopping for gifts and flowers with the option of delivering directly to patient rooms. Details can be found on its web site at www.gghcourtyardboutique.ca. When it does open, the Courtyard Boutique can be called at ext. 2246.

H.E.L.P.P. Lottery (Hospital Equipment Lottery Program for People)

Currently suspended due to the pandemic.
Break open tickets are sold on level 3 of the hospital. This service is available Monday – Friday from 10 am – 2 pm.

Vendor Program

Currently suspended due to the pandemic.
Vendors pay a fee to the Volunteer Association to sell their products in the hospital. For more information about Vendor Program opportunities or to request a Vendor Application Package, please contact the Retail Manager, Erica
Bright at ebite@gghorg.ca or call 519-837-6440 x 2660.