Volunteer PULSE

January 2018

true measure of accomplishment by the members of this Thornhill Branch. The Charter Members started it in 1962, marking 2018 with an astonishing 56 years of volunteering service by its members. Many of those were active both at the Hospital and at the Branch over the years, some even awarded Life Member status. Today, there are two life members that still volunteer at the Hospital, Carolyn Caruthers and Theresa Duncan. The Thornhill Branch has been exceedingly generous in supporting the hospital, donating their membership fees to the Volunteer Association every year. They also held innovative “in-branch” fundraisers, such as auctions of items donated by fellow members and afternoon teas and bake sales, raising a substantial amount in the process. Sadly, the Thornhill Branch will soon be closing, and this was their last event. On behalf of the Volunteer Association Board, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude. Thank you to all the members of the Thornhill Branch for all your years of dedication and support.

The White Rose Gift Shop had a table at the Joy of Aging event on October 24th, which took place at Bellvue Manor in Vaughan. This was successfully run by Ana Paula Cantafio and Leonardo Cornacchia, with sales of $1,500.00. Guests had the opportunity to purchase a variety of beautiful merchandise from our gift shop.

December 2018

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On October 25th, I had the pleasure of attending the “Topping Off ” ceremony at the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital site. This signifies that MVH has reached its highest point of construction. I hope you all had the opportunity to be a part of history by signing your name on a Mackenzie Health token and cinder blocks. Signed tokens were poured into one of the last concrete slabs installed at the new hospital. (see picture on page 2)

With the festive season upon us, I would like to start off this final Pulse of the year by wishing all of you Happy Holidays and a Prosperous and Happy New Year. I would also like to thank you for your wondrous dedication and commitment to our Volunteer Association.

It has been a busy past few months. I was given the honour to say a few words at the Thornhill Branch Luncheon and Bridge event that was held in October at the Thornhill Golf & Country Club. It is difficult to succinctly explain the

A Message From The Volunteer Association President

White Rose Gift Shop at Joy of Aging (L to R): Sally David; Ana Paula Cantafio; Leonardo Cornacchia

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continues from front cover

Sincerely,

Sally DavidPresident, Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association

On November 9, 2018, hospital staff, volunteers and visitors were able to enjoy a delicious spread of different cultural foods at our very popular and very successful International Food Festival in the Berwick Auditorium. Tables included Greek, Italian, Asian, East European, and Indian, as well as an enticing dessert table. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for an amazing variety of prizes. Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers, organisers, vendors, businesses, and sponsors for their generosity and support.

Thank you all those who helped with the hospital’s “Take Your Kids to Work Day” on November 14, 2018. It was a very well organised event that allowed students to see firsthand some of the various departments in the hospital.

I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Anna Caporiccio for the $500.00 donation from The Cervaro Cultural Society.

The holiday season is always a busy time of gift giving, so once again the Volunteer Association will be wrapping gifts at the Promenade Shopping Centre, in Thornhill, from December 1 to 24. Come by and let us help you as you help us fundraise!

I would like to end this message by thanking you all for your support, commitment, and dedication throughout the year.

Enjoy this lovely Holiday Season, and see you next year!

In Picture (L): topping off at Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, signed tokens ready to be poured into one of the hospital’s final concrete slabs.

In Picture (R): Sally David with Mackenzie

Vaughan Hospital in the background

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From the Desk of Altaf Stationwala

To our exceptional volunteers, we are so thankful for your time, dedication and support to our patients, families, staff and physicians. It is your generosity that helps us achieve our vision of creating a world-class health experience.

Harvest Celebration This fall, more than 75 donors, along with staff and volunteers from Mackenzie Health and Mackenzie Health Foundation came together on a crisp October day at our Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital site to celebrate their contributions and supportof the Exceptional Care Belongs Here campaign. We’re proud that our student volunteers were there to support and celebrate this exciting event. Additionally, Rina Pillitteri, Chair of the Mackenzie Health Foundation Board of Directors, shared news that the campaign has now raised an incredible $113 million to date.

Topping off Event On October 25, we poured one of the final concrete slabs at the top of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital as part of an official topping off ceremony. Joined by the Honourable Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care; Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure; the Honourable Michael Tibollo, MPP Vaughan-Woodbridge, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport; and the Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan, this milestone highlighted how we’re getting closer to opening our doors in late 2020. We poured thousands of tokens signed by members of York Region’s community – donors, hospital staff, physicians, volunteers, leadership and government – into one of the final concrete slabs as a shared commitment to building a healthier future for Ontario’s patients and families.

GalaOn November 3, Mackenzie Health Foundation’s Midnight Cirque gala raised $1.16 million to help build and equip Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital and enhance care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. The gala celebrated the generosity of more than 1,100 community, health and business leaders across York Region and Greater Toronto Area. Municipal and provincial governmental leaders, including the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, joined in on the festivities. We’re so thankful to have many volunteers to support this important and memorable event.

Thank you!We appreciate your continued commitment, hard work and dedication at Mackenzie Health. We’re proud to have volunteers like you to ensure that our patients, families and visitors have the best possible care experience. Thank you for everything that you do.

Sincerely,Altaf StationwalaPresident and CEO, Mackenzie Health

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DonationsCoins for HealthFor the Info Desk I am forwarding over $46.14 and for the Gift Shop $50 for a total of $96.14 and the grand total for the past 16 years is now at $22,533.69. Many thanks to all of the folks that continue to drop off their coins.

Pop Tabs for WheelchairsPeter arrived last week and picked up another 120 lbs. of these tiny tabs and the latest total since the Elora Legion began this adventure back 1989 is now 2,733 wheel chairs for those in great need but without the funds to purchase. I would like to thank Margaret L., Joan H., Stephanie S., Jackie J., Deanna and the ICU team, Augusta M, and Emma T. You are all doing such a great job in helping these folks.

Many ThanksVirginia Wainman

(Above): Kasturi Rangarajan, Event Chair.

On December 4th, teams across the hospital showed their creative talents by decorating 20 gingerbread houses for the MHVA.

Houses were raffled off and all proceeds supported the MHVA’s $500, 000 pledge to Mental Health Services at Mackenzie Health. Here are just a few pictures of the staff ’s talents.

Gingerbread House event

(Left) L toR: Anna Daigle, Jack Markle as Santa Claus and Karen Andersen.

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Upcoming Events & Celebrations

The Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association (MHVA) is proud to partner again with the Promenade Mall to hold the annual Gift Wrap fundraiser.

Sign up for a shift to help wrap presents this holiday season. All donations go Towards the MHVA's pledge towards Mental Health programs at Mackenzie Health.

Gift Wrapping at Promenade Mall December 3-24, 2018

Mackenzie Health Holiday BreakfastThursday December 13, 2018

7am – 10amBerwick Auditorium

Christmas Concert presented by Mackenzie Health Spiritual Care Volunteers

Tuesday December 18, 201810:30am – 11:30am

A-Wing, Atrium

Your participation will bring us closer to achieving that goal. Register online at http://bit.do/giftwrap2018 to sign up for a shift.

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9th Annual International Food FestivalDelicious food from around the world

It was another successful fundraising event; the 9th annual International Food Festival, held in the Berwick Auditorium on November 9.Besides the collegiality, smiles and fun, the IFF raised over $5000.00 which will be added to the MHVA pledge of raising $500, 000 by 2020, for Mackenzie Health Mental Health Services.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity in time, effort, and donations in food and money.

Asian Table, sponsored by Go Go Chicken Pot (L to R): Weibo Cheng, Joanne (owner) and Theresa Duncan.

Lorraine Gordon (Above) - nurse on C4 Medicine Orange with a beautiful blanket she crocheted as her donation to the IFF raffle.

More Raffle Prizes (Left)

(Above) Eastern European Table sponsored by Yummy Market (L to R): Joan Smith, Mary Grace Bianco, Lydia Maldonado and Jonathan Cheung.

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(Above) Event Chair, Gwen Johnstone (L) and Floor Manager, Terry Knight (R).

Italian Table (L to R): Bruna Granziera, Leo Cornacchia, Pierina Bosco.

Roaming Cart: Kasturi Rangarajan (L) and Lino Murarotto (R).

Raffle table: Harjit Gahunia (sitting) and Debby Baldesarra with James Sweeney (L).

(Below) Baking Table (L to R): Naida Godsoe, Theresa Chan, Anneliese Nasner.

Greek Table sponsored by members of the Holy Greek Orthodox Church St. Panteleimon

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Contact Us or Follow Us Mackenzie Health https://mackenziehealth.ca email: volunteers@mackenziehealth.ca Volunteer Office phone: (905) 883 2057 VSys Portal: https://mackenzie.vsyslive.com/

www.facebook.com/MackenzieHealth https://plus.google.com/+mackenziehealth/

Pinterest (photos) http://www.pinterest.com/mackenziehealth/ https://twitter.com/MackenzieHealth

YouTube (videos) https://www.youtube.com/user/MackenzieHealthVideo

Thank You to our Sponsors

Volunteer & Community Resources Office December 24, 2018 - closed at noonDecember 25 - December 26, 2018December 31, 2018 - January 1, 2019

The Greek Orthodox Community of Markham

Sue's Fresh Market205 Don Head Village Blvd,Richmond Hill, ON L4C 7R4

Go Go Chicken Pot10610 Bayview Avenue Unit 2-3Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3N8

Maria’s Kitchen588 Edward Ave,Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9Y6

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Fundraising UpdatesThanks to all who have supported our 50/50 lottery fundraiser these past few months. Lucky winners are Will and Yves Chow for the month of June. Jack Markle for the month of September. And, yes, lightning can strike twice. Congratulations to Jack Markle, who also won the October draw.

The MHVA 50 50 Lottery was initiated to give our volunteers an opportunity to win some cash, while sup-porting our fundraising efforts. As we continue to work towards fulfilling our $500,000 pledge in support of Mental Health programs, the Volunteer Association board is very appreciative of all donations—large and small—to help our goal become reality.

Huge thanks to our ticket sellers, our committee, and to Volunteer Services staff for their continued assistance.

Zina Villamagna and Jack Markle (October) Zina Villamagna and Jack Markle (November)

Zina Villamagna (L) and Jill Walker (R) present Yves and Will Chow with the winning cheque (June 2018)

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Remembering Our Volunteers

Marion French

Marion passed away at the age of 96, on November 5, 2018. She volunteered at Mackenzie Health Financial Services from 1989 to 2017. Even at the age of 95, she continued taking the bus to the hospital to fulfil her duties.

Not one for the spotlight, Marion diligently came to the hospital several times a week, completed her work and quietly slipped out. The staff in finance call her the ultimate optimist and a warm, dedicated spirit. She was a special gift to Mackenzie Health and will be missed by staff and fellow volunteers.

Getting the flu shot and thorough hand washing are the most reliable ways to protect yourself and your family from the flu this season. Flu shots are available in Occupational Health and Safety at Mackenzie Health for all staff, physicians and volunteers, including the new flu vaccine for individuals 65+.

If you choose to get your flu shot in the community, please bring proof of vaccination to Occupational Health and Safety to have your health record updated and be eligible to work in the hospital during influenza outbreaks.

Flu Shots Available for Volunteers in Occupational Health and Safety

What can you do to avoid the flu?

Protect yourself and others by practicing these basic infection prevention measures:

- Get your flu shot. The flu shot can take up to 14 days to become fully effective.

- Wash your hands. When done correctly, washing and sanitizing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.

- If you feel ill, stay home.

For more information on flu shots at Mackenzie Health, visit the Intranet or contact Occupational Health and Safety at extension 7290.

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Update from Our Gift Shop

The White Rose Gift Shop is ready for the Holiday Season! Starting Monday, December 10th we will be featuring “The 12 Days of Giving” specials. Gift Shop customers will be offered great savings on a wide selection of garments, giftware, logo wear, accessories, and holiday gifts.

This year we are continuing the tradition of selling unique ornaments with a wide variety of colors and shapes ranging in price from $3 to $15.

In our Children’s Corner we are featuring a special assortment of ornaments as well as affordable ‘Ty’ brand keychains at $5.99 and “Nickelodeon Slime” kits that children love.

Don’t forget to pick up a gift from our MADE IN CANADA specialty

Customer must spend $50.00 or more to enter a draw to winFloral Light Bonsai Tree (Draw December 21, 2018)

“12 DAYS OF GIVING” BEGINS on MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018

items. We feature Spruce Wood Handmade Cookies, Turkey Hill cookies, chocolate Fraktals, Lindt chocolates and Saxon Chocolate flavored popcorn.

On behalf of the White Rose Gift Shop Team I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you for your dedication and commitment. Your support is helping us to reach our goal of raising $500,000 for Mackenzie Health’s Mental Health program.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season.

Ana Paula Cantafio Manager, White Rose Gift Shop

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*All proceeds support Mackenzie Health

Tickets: 1 for $5 or 3 for $10 For tickets please contact Pat Young:

pyyoung@sympatico.ca or telephone 905-884-2426Draw: February 14, 2019

2PM at A Wing Atrium

Amazing Prizes Pleasantville Branch Valentine’s Draw

SwissGear 3D Lite Luggage Set

INZU Studded Bag

7-in-1 Instant Pot. 8 QuartWaterpik®

Complete Care 5.0

VirtuoLine with Aeroccino Frother

Bulova Women’s Quartz

Stainless Steel Casual Watch

3 Months Membership