Community Care Hospice volunteer receives provincial Outstanding Volunteer Award
Members from Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes (CCCKL) Hospice Services attended the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario’s Annual Conference June 9-11 to celebrate a prestigious award given to a dedicated CCCKL Hospice Services volunteers. Ralph Stokes, a long-standing volunteer with CCCKL, was the honoured recipient of this year’s June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers Award. This award was established in 1994 by the Hospice Association of Ontario, now Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, to acknowledge and thank outstanding hospice volunteers throughout Ontario.
Stokes’ dedication, caring and understanding of how grief affects our lives has brought comfort and validation to those walking the journey of grief. He has facilitated numerous grief programs during his 19 years of volunteering with Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes Hospice Services.
Ralph’s generosity of spirit and willingness to go the extra mile touches the hearts of everyone he encounters. He has become an invaluable member of the Hospice Services volunteer team, giving up evenings during his week in order to support clients and to create a safe space for them to share their stories.
“Thank you to Community Care for nominating me for this award, it was unexpected and a total surprise to me,” said Stokes. “I do appreciate receiving this award and the kind words that were expressed at the ceremony regarding my co-facilitating of grief groups. To the other facilitators who lead groups with me, I’m so appreciative of your support in delivering these programs.”
This award is a testament to his exceptional dedication and his hospice heart. Stokes is an inspiration to everyone he meets, and Community Care is grateful to have him as part of the hospice family.
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes was founded by volunteers, and they’ve remained vital in the ability to deliver care to thousands across the City of Kawartha Lakes. Volunteering is a rewarding way to get involved in the community, learn new skills, meet new people, and above all, give back to your community. To learn more about volunteering with CCCKL, please visit ccckl.ca/volunteer.
