Volunteers at HSC Winnipeg are invaluable! Each year, thousands of volunteers of all ages and abilities generously donate their time to help create a positive experience for our patients, visitors, and staff.
Office Hours: Monday, Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In 2024:
More than 10,000 books and magazines were handed out to patients.
A total of 73 children’s ward volunteers visited with more than 4,800 patients.
95 ambassador volunteers escorted almost 37,000 patients and visitors around campus.
9 incredible volunteer therapy dog teams at HSC visited with nearly 7,000 patients, family members, staff and visitors.
National Volunteer Week Award Winners
Komal
Komal Brar has been volunteering at HSC for several years, gaining experience across a wide range of roles. She began her volunteer journey in the HSC gift shop, then moved on to organizing books, applying her education in PsycHealth, assisting with clerical tasks in clinics, and most recently, conducting patient surveys. Reflecting on each of her volunteer shifts, Komal recognizes how profoundly the experience has shaped her perspective on the value of volunteering.
“Volunteering in healthcare is essential because you assist in providing the best patient care possible and show how the hospital is a community collectively coming together to provide emotional and physical support.”
One of the most meaningful contributions she has made is providing patients with reading materials, which can help alleviate the loneliness of hospital stays.
“I know I have made an impact in someone’s life when I give a patient a book one week, and the next week, they are telling me all about it and sharing their experience reading it. Volunteering at HSC showed that small gestures can go a long way and turn a day around for the better.”
To explore behind the scenes with Komal and the book cart, please visit the Behind the Scenes webpage.
Marina
At 13 years old, Marina lost her grandmother to cancer in the very hospital where she now volunteers—the Health Science Centre (HSC).
“The experience of her passing left a lasting mark on me, and it was during my visits to HSC that I became deeply appreciative of the care and dedication provided by healthcare professionals.”
When she began seeking volunteer opportunities, HSC was the first place that came to mind, as the hospital had a significant impact on her during that time.
Volunteering at HSC has not only been educational but has also profoundly influenced Marina’s personal growth.
“Being able to give back to the hospital that did its best to heal my grandmother has filled me with gratitude and peace. This experience has also shifted my perspective on life, helping me become a more compassionate and patient individual. I’ve learned to recognize that everyone is fighting their own battles, even if they aren’t always visible.”
As a fourth-year university student aspiring to pursue medicine, this volunteer experience has provided her with a valuable glimpse into the world of healthcare and insight into the daily sacrifices made by doctors and healthcare providers.
Kyra
Kyra is currently a volunteer with the Psychiatric Recreation program at HSC and has been volunteering at the hospital for about two years. Her experiences at HSC, including volunteering in both pediatric and adult psychiatric wards, as well as serving as a mealtime ambassador in the rehabilitation ward, have exposed her to various aspects of patient care, including psychiatry, rehabilitation medicine, and pediatrics. These opportunities have allowed her to be actively involved in patient care, equipping her with valuable skills for her future career as a doctor.
“Being a volunteer at HSC has reinforced my passion for helping others, challenged me to grow in my ability to connect with patients, and provided me with a realistic understanding of the rewards and demands of working in healthcare.”
Manmeet
Manmeet has been volunteering at the Health Sciences Centre since April 2023, beginning at the gift shop and later transitioning to the book cart during the summer.
“Volunteering at The Health Sciences Centre has been an eye-opening experience that has not only given me new insights into the healthcare world but has also provided me with a deeper connection to the community.”
Through interactions with patients and healthcare professionals, Manmeet has developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients and their families.
“This experience has ignited a passion for healthcare and has helped shape my future career goals while teaching me the value of kindness, empathy, and community involvement in the health care world.”
From working in the gift shop to serving with the book cart, Manmeet has discovered an even deeper interest in healthcare than before beginning to volunteer.
“Seeing all the healthcare workers work hard and seeing how passionate they are about what they do, really encourages me to chase my dreams and do what I am passionate about. Volunteering has also helped create long lasting relationships, as I have created an amazing friendship while volunteering in the gift shop that I am sure will stick with me throughout my life.”
Rachel
Rachel has been volunteering at the Children’s Hospital at HSC for the past year and a half. Being a familiar face on the Children’s Hospital wards each week has shown her the importance of consistency and compassion.
“This experience has deeply shaped who I am and the kind of physician I hope to become.”
“I’ve learned that empathy is not just about feeling for others, but about truly listening, understanding and showing up in both joyful and difficult moments.”
Rachel’s time volunteering has deepened her understanding of the emotional side of healthcare and the importance of supporting patients beyond their physical needs.
“Volunteering has taught me that healing goes beyond medicine, and that sometimes the greatest impact comes from offering kindness and a genuine human connection.”
Becca
Becca is one of the volunteers at the Children’s Hospital and Emergency department, where she has served for nearly two years. Her time at HSC has had a profoundly positive impact on her, offering the opportunity to support and care for both children and their families within the hospital setting.
This experience has deepened her compassion and gratitude, and has played a key role in confirming her decision to pursue a career in nursing.
“Caring for others has left a tremendous impact on me and reminds me of why I am choosing this profession. With compassion, dedication, understanding, and service, I know I will make a difference in serving the medical needs of others.”
