Volunteer Association tops $120K in annual support, highest total since 2017
Simcoe, ON – When someone is in hospital or in long-term care, small things can matter a lot.
A chair beside the bed.
A table close enough to reach.
A wheelchair ready when it is needed.
These are the kinds of items the Norfolk General Hospital Volunteer Association helps provide at Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH).
This year, that support reached a level not seen in nearly a decade.
On April 20, 2026, the Volunteer Association presented a $25,000 cheque to NGH and NHNH.
The donation brought its total support for the 2025/2026 fiscal year to $120,150.
It is the Association’s largest annual donation since 2017, when volunteers donated just over $122,000. It is also only the ninth time since 2000 that the Association has given more than $100,000 in one year.
While the province provides funding for hospital operations at NGH, community support plays a vital role in helping purchase equipment and comfort items that support patients, residents, families, and care teams.
This includes wheelchairs, bedside tables, sleep chairs, and other needs across the hospital and nursing home.
Kerri Emberlin, Director of Volunteer and Spiritual Care Services, said the work is rooted in a simple idea: volunteers see what patients, residents, and families need.
“Our volunteers understand what matters most to patients, residents, and families,” said Emberlin. “Their fundraising directly supports comfort, dignity, and safe care. This year’s total is a strong reflection of their commitment to our hospital and nursing home.”
Funds are raised through several Volunteer Association initiatives, including the Coffee Kiosk, Gift Shop, Craft Group, H.E.L.P.P. Lottery, 50-50 ticket sales, Tag Days, the Spaghetti Dinner, Christmas Gift Wrapping, musical concerts, and the recently launched Treasures & Totes fundraiser. Together, these efforts reflect the time, creativity, and care volunteers put into supporting patients, residents, families, and staff.
“This milestone shows the power of many people working together for a shared purpose,” said Betty Lavallee, President of the Volunteer Association. “Every ticket sold, every item purchased, and every hour given helps support patients, residents, families, and staff at NGH and NHNH.”
The milestone was shared during National Volunteer Week.
NGH and NHNH have more than 250 volunteers. Together, they contribute more than 17,000 hours each year.
At an awards and appreciation event on April 21, nine volunteers were recognized for more than 2,000 hours of service. Another 26 volunteers received certificates of appreciation.
Junior volunteers were also recognized for their service. Jennah Edwards was recognized for reaching 150 hours, and Kashiat Bolanle was recognized for reaching 200 hours. Jennah was also recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for helping train new junior volunteers at the Information Desk.
Drenise Cowlard, Line Montague, Veronica Waslowski, and Vicki Davey were recognized for 500 hours of service.
Penny Brown and Alex Horvath also received Outstanding Service Awards.
Alex was recognized for his work selling 50-50 tickets. Over the past two years, he has sold more than 500 tickets to help support the lottery and buy equipment.
Penny was recognized for helping guide the Association through a major financial transition. Her work included gathering financial records, supporting the annual review, and setting up new accounts after four branches were brought together under one Association.
This ongoing support reflects NGH and NHNH’s focus on the patient, resident, and family experience. It also shows how volunteers help strengthen care close to home.
Media Contact:
Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications and Public Relations at NGH
W: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454
