Volunteer PULSE

November 2017

A Message From The Volunteer Association PresidentWelcome to the November 2017 issue of the Volunteer PULSE.

We say our goodbyes to the beautiful colours of Fall and look forward to a Winter Wonderland.

One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you and your family the very best for a wonderful Holiday Season and a very happy New Year. So much has taken place over the last couple of months.

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association has agreed to pledge a $500,000 gift commitment over 4 years, till 2021, to be allocatedin equal parts of $250,000 towards one Mental Health Day Hospital Medication Clinic Group Counselling Room and on one Activity Room/Gymnasium within Mental Health at Mackenzie Health, which will serve and benefit the community as a whole. This would not have been made possible without all your positive attitudes, commitment and dedication, throughout the years and for this I thank you.

The Richmond Height’s Fashion Show took place on September 13, 2017, featuring Peach Tree Originals of Markham, with some of our very own Board members, Nancy Cutler and Zina Villamagna, walking the runway as models. (see picture on page 6)

Thornhill’s bridge and luncheon at the Thornhill Golf & Country Club on October 25, 2017, was an afternoon enjoyed by all.

On October, 11, 2017, although it was a cold and rainy morning, our spirits were not in the least dampened. Thanks to Gwen Johnstone who was responsible for the organization and planning of planting a maple tree on the hospital grounds, in celebration of our Giving Leaves campaign, in recognition of Canada’s 150th birthday.

The Mackenzie Health Foundation’s Joy of Aging event was successfully held on October 22, 2017 at the Bellevue Manor in Vaughan, with helping hands to set up from Nancy Cutler and myself. There were two excellent speakers - Dr. Vivien Brown and Dr. Nasreen Khatri who spoke about Dementia and Alzheimer’s. The White Rose Gift shop had a table at the event which was successfully run by Ana Paula Cantafio and Leonardo Cornacchia, with sales of $1,244.58 before tax, in just a few hours. Great job Ana Paula and Leo.

There was no need to cross the borders or go abroad to enjoy some culinary food. Our very popular International Food Festival took place on November 17, 2017. Hospital staff, volunteers and visitors were in another part of the world, even if for only a few hours, enjoying a selection of delicious foods, pastries and cake. Thank you to all our organizers, vendors, businesses, sponsors and volunteers who helped in taking us on this journey.

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Keeping in with the spirit of the Holiday Season we will be helping with the wrapping of gifts for the public at the Promenade Mall (in Thornhill) from December 8th to the 23rd, 2017. If you are shopping at the Promenade Mall, during that time, please do pop by to meet and greet our Santa’s helpers.

Proceeds from these events will go to support our campaign, to raise $500,000 in support of Mental Health.

I take this opportunity of wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday and all the very best for the coming New Year.

Sally DavidPresident, Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association

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This year Mackenzie Health Foundation marks its 40th anniversary. It is with great pleasure that we recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association, our first philanthropic partner.

Members of the Association began the tradition of fundraising for Mackenzie Health over 55 years ago, literally knocking on their neighbour’s doors, and hosting the first galas and tea parties to benefit our hospital. It is a rich and varied tradition, inclusive of our entire community. Your exemplary service and generosity truly sets the bar high!

A Message from Mackenzie Health Foundation

For decades, the Volunteer Association has been raising funds to help purchase vital equipment and advance patient care for Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. Collectively, the Association’s members and partners have raised over $5.8 million to date.

In 2012, the Association pledged to raise $500,000 to help us reach our $5‐million “Picture This . . .” campaign goal to bring a second, more powerful MRI to the Hospital. No sooner had you fulfilled that pledge, when you stepped up again and committed to raising $250,000 in three years to purchase 10 new Fetal Monitors for the Woman and Child Program. To the amazement of our team, you did the extraordinary and fulfilled your pledge ahead of schedule! That takes true talent, commitment and generosity of spirit.

Last spring the Association’s volunteer leadership shared with us that collectively you were anxious to explore a new way to create a healthier community and become engaged with the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

Guided by excellence, philanthropic leadership and compassion, the Volunteer Association has ventured into a new area of support. Making another bold commitment, we are incredibly grateful that you have chosen to raise $500,000 for vital Mental Health services at Mackenzie Health. Your investment will be designated towards the Day Hospital Medication Group Counselling Room and an Activity Room/Gymnasium within the Mental Health Unit at the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

Mental illness can strike anyone, anytime and frequently with little warning. Often mental illness takes hold of a person’s health and optimism for their future as they begin to transition to adulthood, a reality that is evident every day at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. continued on page 3

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Promenade Mall Holiday Gift Wrap* (December 8 - 23, 2017)Welcome and thank you for your interest in volunteering for our gift wrap fundraiser!You do not need to be a current Mackenzie Health volunteer to participate, feel free to get your family and friends involved this season, and gift wrap together! You can also get your shopping done at the mall.

Please note the minimum requirement for general volunteers is high school age. Volunteer hours can be credited towards your community service hours. Each shift must have at least one current Mackenzie Health adult volunteer (age 18 or older).

Sign up for any, and as many shifts as you can! There are various shift times and durations available from Dec. 8t to 23, 2017 feel free to pick the one(s) that best suit your availability. Simply click on the date/time you want, and be sure to include your name, email / phone number. You will receive a confirmation at least 3 days prior to your shift, including detailed info on the exact location of the gift wrap table inside Promenade Mall, where to park, what to expect, etc.

To sign up visit tinyurl.com/VAwrap.

Please email elaine.hr@outlook.com if you have any questions, or require sign upassistance.

THANK YOU for your support. Happy Wrapping!

Elaine Cheung

*All proceeds go to Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association

As an integral and leading member of York Region’s mental health service system, Mackenzie Health provides inpatient and outpatient care for people 18 and over through the Stepping Stones Day Hospital – a six‐week educational group treatment program for adults in need of additional support as they prepare to transition from the inpatient unit back home. The demand for day hospital and aftercare services is projected to rise an unprecedented 24 per cent.

The Volunteer Association’s investment in mental health will allow Mackenzie Health to better serve the growing mental health demands in York Region.

Mackenzie Health Foundation couldn’t be more proud and appreciative of our partnership with the Volunteer Association. You have tirelessly demonstrated your deep commitment to this community in the 55 years since bringing the hospital to Richmond Hill. Your volunteerism and fundraising skills raise the Hospital’s profile, along with critical funds.

Thank you for continuing to inspire our work and for being exceptional ambassadors of Mackenzie Health.

Sincerely,Ingrid Perry President and CEO, Mackenzie Health Foundation

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From the Desk of Altaf StationwalaHappy Holidays to all. Thank you all for your time and commitment to making a difference for patients and visitors at Mackenzie Health. Whether you volunteer at the hospital or at one of our community locations, your support of our programs and services, contribute to our mission to create a world-class health experience. On behalf of our staff, physicians and our community, we are grateful for your ongoing assistance and commitment to patients and families.

Thank you for raising funds for Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital!We are thrilled with your recent achievement to fulfill your pledge to fund 10 fetal monitors. Completing this pledge a full year ahead of schedule is a testament to your dedication toour community. Your new pledge to raise $500,000 to fund one mental health Group Counselling Room in the Day Hospital and Aftercare Medication Clinic as well as one mental health Activity Room/Gymnasium at the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital further illustrates your generosity and commitment.

Parking UpdateWe appreciate your patience while we continue to negotiate an alternative solution to reduce the demand on our parking facilities to create additional parking capacity for patients and visitors at the hospital. Stay tuned for more information to be available when we have finalized arrangements.

New Reactivation Care CentreAs you know, our hospital continues to experience extremely high volumes in the Emergency Department (ED) and a significant number of admitted patients waiting for a bed. On the units, many patients who no longer require acute care and are designated as alternate level of care (ALC) are waiting to be transferred to a more appropriate setting. Beginning December 10, we will open a Reactivation Care Centre at Humber River Hospital’s former Finch site in collaboration with five area hospitals to help meet the needs of ALC patients, and address the current shortage of acute care beds and overcrowding in emergency rooms.

On December 10, 2017, Mackenzie Health, and other neighbouring hospitals will each move 30 patients to the new Reactivation Care Centre. In addition, until the opening of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Mackenzie Health will also move up to 90 Complex Continuing Care and Rehabilitation beds in early 2018, thereby increasing medical bed capacity at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. The reactivation of the former hospital site will help ensure that patients currently being cared for in acute settings have access to specialized, focused care and attention aimed to increase mobility and independence, which are difficult to provide in a busy acute care hospital.

Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital UpdateThank you to everyone who came to visit the mocked up patient care rooms being designed for Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. In November, more than 450 people came to see and experience for themselves how the rooms are being designed with input from our team including volunteers and care providers to ensure we create a world-class experience when the new hospital opens its doors in 2020.

On the construction site, work continues and the basement floor concrete has been completed. It won’t be long now before the structure will really begin to take shape. To see current construction photos on the live cam, visit www.mackenziehealth.ca/mvh.

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Happy HolidaysWe appreciate your continued commitment and enthusiasm as part of the team at Mackenzie Health. With your assistance, we are creating a world-class health experience for patients and families, every patient, every time. I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and the very best for the coming New Year.

Sincerely,Altaf StationwalaPresident and CEO, Mackenzie Health

DonationsCoins for Fetal MonitorsI handed over $100 to our treasurer Fred Visco on November 14 and many thanks to Barrie M. and the many folks that drop off their coins and bills in the large vase in the Gift Shop. Well done.

Pop Tabs for Wheel ChairsPeter came and picked up 150 lb. on Sept 18 and already I have another 60 + lbs. collected. You folks are doing such a great job saving these and I would like to thank - Chris, Julie & Friends, Sherri, Jackie J., Jeannette J., Kevin D., Sheila M., Emma T., and the many that drop them off without a name attached. The folks that need these for a wheel chair that they are unable to afford are very grateful.

Many ThanksVirginia Wainman

Volunteer & Community Resources Office December 23 - 26 inclusiveDecember 30 - January 1 inclusive

L-R Margaret Poot, Zina Villamagna, Jean Roberts and Nancy Cutler

Fashions by Peachtree Originals

(courtesy of Snap’d Richmond Hill)

Richmond Height’s Fashion Show

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Michael Weingott passed away on October 7, 2017 at Mackenzie Health, surrounded by his family. Michael started as a volunteer in 2012 as a member of the Support Volunteer team. He subsequently expanded his service to assist family within the ICU. Michael received his 5 year service pin in April, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Sue Weingott, who currently is an active volunteer and a Past President of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association. He had a dry and wicked sense of humour and his Monday afternoon teams say that the shift will not be the same without Michael’s humour. He is greatly missed by many staff and his fellow volunteers.

Remembering Our Volunteers

Michael Weingott

Margaret Norris

Margaret Norris, president of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association in 1994 and chairman of the Pleasantville Branch for several terms, passed away October 13, 2017 in her 97th year. Margaret became a hospital volunteer in 1962 and served in a variety of positions, including Gift Shop convener and VA treasurer. She was active with the Lottery, was active on the Membership Committee and served with the Branch Task Force. Her volunteer career led to an Outstanding Volunteer Award in 1987 and receipt of a Provincial Life Membership. She is survived by her children, Jim; Deborah Di Luca, also a past president of the Volunteer Association; and Barb Norris. She has four grandchildren and a brother, Robert Nixon.

Muriel McAlister

Muriel McAlister, a 23-year member of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association, passed away October 2, 2017 at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. She was 91. Muriel belonged to the Richmond Heights Branch, where she was active in a variety of fundraising ventures. As part of the Volunteer Association, Muriel chaired the By Laws and Policies Committee and volunteered at the Information Desk, with the lottery, in admitting and working with the Pulse. She will be missed by her many friends at Mackenzie Health and by her two daughters, Susan and Cindy.

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

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

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Thornhill Branch

*All proceeds go to Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association

Raffle Winners! This was a fundraiser for the Thornhill Branch of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association held on October 26th, 2016. We wish to thank everyone attending for their support. All raffle prizes were donated* 1st. prize Nancy Cummings Afghan2nd Nancy Bryceland Gloves and Scarf3rd B. Mohan Fitz and Floyd Salad set4th David Weingarten Gift Certificate Orchid Florist5th. Juliana Anderson Gift Basket from the Thornhill Golf and Country Club

All Giving Leaves Sponsors were invited to a Fall Recognition Celebration, highlighted by the planting of a Maple Tree on October 11, followed by delicious treats. This Giving Leaves - Canada 150 Celebration acknowledged the sponsors, who pledged $150. At this point, there are 45 Giving Leaves Sponsors, but the end date for this fundraiser is December 31, 2017. If you would like to become a Giving Leaves Sponsor, please pick up a form at the Volunteer Office or contact Gwen Johnstone (905 884 4230 or gwenjohn@rogers.com).

Giving Leaf Tree Planting on October 11, 2017

Left to Right:Gwen Johnstone, Zina Villamagna, Irene Miller, Anne Bacon, Virginia Wainman, Sabiha Hussain, Kusum Chopra, Jean Barber, Nancy Cutler, David Stolte, Leo Cornacchia, Mary Anne Grossman and Sally David.

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8th Annual International Food FestivalDelicious food from around the world filled Berwick Family Auditorium at the Volunteer Association’s 8th annual International Food Festival on November 17th, 2017. We’re proud to report that the IFF food tables sold out in just over 90 minutes!

The sell-out event drew hundreds of Mackenzie Health staff and volunteers raised funds toward our pledge to raise $500,000 to support Mental Health programs at the hospital.

Cheers and thanks go to our sponsors, who made the event possible. In particular we are most grateful to the following organizations who once again generously donated the entrées and all the trimmings for the tables they sponsored: Aneal’s Taste of the Islands – Caribbean Jerk Chicken, The Greek Orthodox Community of Markham – Souvlaki and Spanakopita and Yummy Market – Eastern European Cabbage Rolls and Blini.

Special thanks to Pierina Bosco who organized the Italian table with donations of Porchetta and peppers from Vicentina Fine Foods and Vegetable Lasagna and buns from The Old Bread Mill Bakery, and to all of our hard-working table leaders – Kusum Chopra, Dora Legourdas, Lydia Maldonado and Betty & Brian Wong. Mention must also be made of Bassouma Kassouf and Lydia Maldonado’s remarkable success in canvassing their community, family and friends for donations and Raffle prizes.

Our thanks to Gwen Johnstone who led the IFF team of Zina Villamagna, Pat Young , Gay Harper and Ray Ang, the 22 volunteers who worked the IFF, and to all the volunteers who gave so generously of their time and money. We especially thank staff in Volunteer & Community Resources and Support Services for their on-going and remarkable support. It couldn’t have happened without them!

Very special gratitude to the local businesses listed on the back cover who so generously donated food, cash, gift cards and gift baskets. Please support these fine companies.

By Gay Harper

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L-R Sally David, Gwen Johnstone, Joan Smith and Betty Wong

L-R Bruna Granziera, Leo Cornacchia, Pierina Bosco, Sally David

L-R Sabiha Hussain, Gwen Johnstone, Sally David, Ranjit Mithra, Misbah Tahir and Kusum Chopra

L-R Anneli Leivo, Anneliese Nasner, Shae Eklar and Theresa Chan

L-R Theresa Duncan, Sally David, Lydia Maldonado and Gwen Johnstone

L-R Kleath, Sally, Cynthia, Dora and Helen

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Gift Wrapping at Promenade Mall December 8-23, 2017

Menorah Lighting Ceremony presented by Jewish Family & Child

December 18, 2017 2:00PM-2:30PMA-Wing, Atrium

Christmas Concert presented by Mackenzie Health Spiritual Care Volunteers

December 21, 2017 2:00PM-2:30PMA-Wing, Atrium

Annual Holiday Breakfast

For all Staff, Physicians and VolunteersThursday, December 14, 2017

6:45am-10:30amBerwick Auditorium

Treats will also be made available for the evening shift and offsite locations

Holiday Events

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Mackenzie Health staff, volunteers, patients, and visitors will be offered great savings. Check your emails to learn about the daily special on the wide selection of garments, giftware, logo wear, accessories, holiday gifts, and other incredible gift shop merchandise.

The White Rose Gift Shop is operated by the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association and all proceeds support the association’s regular pledges to the hospital. Currently, we are supporting the Mental Health Unit.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you from our team for your dedication and commitment. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season.

Ana Paula Cantafio Manager, White Rose Gift Shop

Update from Our Gift ShopThe White Rose Gift Shop is ready for the holiday season, and starting Friday, December 1st, we will be introducing “The 25 Days to Christmas” specials.

“THE 25 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS”FRIDAY DECEMBER 1st ALL TREE ORNAMENTS

BUY 3, GET 1 FREE

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Richmond Hill

Green LaneRoyal Orchid

Old Bread MillRichmond Hill

Toronto

Thornhill

Yonge and Canyon Hill

Yonge and Jefferson Forest

Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill