‘The heart of the hospital and nursing home for 100 years’

Coffee & Crumbs is a bustling kiosk at Norfolk General Hospital operated by The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.

The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home currently has 226 active volunteers who support the hospital in services, fundraising and public relations.

There are currently various opportunities to volunteer available in patient-facing roles, fundraising and in the nursing home. Contact Kerri Emberlin, Director of Volunteers & Spiritual Care Services, if you are interested (519-426-0130 ext 2100 or email kemberlin@ngh.on.ca .

“Our volunteers have been the heart of the hospital and nursing home for over a century,” said Emberlin. “We are incredibly thankful to all volunteers whose unwavering commitment, dedication, and compassion have shaped more than a century of service. Their tireless efforts have forged a powerful legacy – one that continues to inspire and will carry on for generations to come.”

“We are indeed fortunate at NGH and NHNH to have such dedicated and selfless volunteers who so willingly share their gifts of diverse talents to help us better serve our patients,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norfolk and West Haldimand General Hospitals. “Each day, humble people of every background and belief come together to fulfill the timeless responsibility of volunteering.”

The association’s history goes back to the 1920s. A group of volunteers began raising funds and sewing for the hospital three years before the hospital officially opened, and the present organization is based on the Women’s Aid, which was formally constituted in 1925.

In 1938, the two groups became the nucleus of a new organization known as the Hospital Auxiliary, which operated until 1966 when a Norfolk County Executive Board to the Auxiliary to Norfolk General Hospital was formed with a new constitution. It became a registered charitable organization in January 1967. When the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home opened, the volunteer services were extended to the nursing home.

In April 1972, due to an increase in male volunteers, the name changed to its present form - The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.

Over the years, the organizations have raised more than $3.5 million and engaged thousands of volunteers, ages 14 to 100-plus. Volunteers annually provide thousands of hours of service, public relations and fundraising.

Today, the association operates four businesses – the Coffee Kiosk, the Gift Shop, the craft group and the lottery (break-open tickets).

Volunteer services include musical event helper, tag day helper, foundation helper, palliative care, patient family advisory committee, 4B helper, emergency department liaison, emergency helper, inpatient unit helper, patient transfer services, surgical day care helper, 2nd floor information desk, diabetes education, ICCU helper/3rd floor helper, information desk, minor procedures clinic, office helper, and share-a-bear co-ordinator.

“As we all know, volunteering is a choice – a noble choice,” said Stepanuik. “I have witnessed the unwavering commitment and selfless devotion of our volunteers. They indeed transform people with their smiles and their impact at NGH and NHNH is immeasurable. We are deeply grateful for all they do to help us deliver exceptional care with humanity and heart.

“Each day our volunteers honour the promise to be there: to ensure the information desk is staffed, provide wayfinding, operate the gift shop, provide portering services, running Coffee and Crumbs, raising money for much needed patient care equipment, etc. I feel privileged to work alongside all of these incredible people. They are great ambassadors for NGH and NHNH.”

As the ‘heart of the hospital and nursing home, the volunteer association has supported and provided a legacy of community involvement through its activities for more than a century. During National Volunteer Week (April 27 – May 4), the association will be celebrating with a focus on its 100-plus years of volunteering.

Currently, there is a volunteer board of directors, and four distinct branches – Port Dover (33 volunteers), Simcoe (80 volunteers), Delhi (33 volunteers) and Waterford (22 volunteers). In June 2025 at its general meeting, The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home will be transforming once again by consolidating the four branches under the association’s executive umbrella.