National Volunteer Week is April 19-25, 2026. This annual celebration of volunteers takes place every April. Here, we shine a spotlight on two volunteers with St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) who embody the spirit of volunteerism. Donna Stolz has been volunteering at Hogarth Riverview Manor for 3 years.
“I started volunteering after my Mom passed away. It was my way of thanking the staff for taking care of Mom,” says Donna. Over the 4 years her mother was a resident, she developed connections with the other residents and the staff.
It was a natural transition for her to continue to visit where she was already familiar with the staff and other residents. Most importantly, the residents were already familiar with her.
Donna understands that routine is very important, both through her own experience and her career as a Personal Support Worker. She volunteers twice
a week, and never goes in empty-handed, always coming in with homemade baking for the residents and their families. “They like the idea it’s homemade and that it’s from me. I always taught my kids, everything tastes better when you share it,” says Donna. During her volunteer shift, which is usually an hour and a half, she’ll simply sit and talk with residents, play games or get them coffee or tea from the kitchen. It’s the smallest things that make such a difference to people.
Donna says the biggest reward she gets is seeing the smile on someone’s face as soon as you walk in. That sentiment is echoed by the residents. One resident says that as soon as she sees the purple vest (that all volunteers wear) she gets so happy. What a great gift it is to be able to brighten someone’s day just with your presence.
Maksud Baba-Zada (Max) is a volunteer with HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) at St. Joseph’s Hospital, which provides extra support for clients and their families. Specially-trained HELP volunteers complement care for clients in the hospital by helping people experiencing delirium feel connected, active, and a little bit more like themselves.
He began volunteering there last July, when a friend who works at St. Joseph’s Care Group told him about the program. When not volunteering with HELP, Max (who is currently obtaining a Masters Degree in Public Health), also volunteers at the Dew Drop Inn and the Dementia Café.
Originally from Azerbaijan, he thought volunteering would be a good way to get involved in the community when he moved to Thunder Bay. Over 8 years later and still going strong, he talks about what volunteering has given back to him. “I think it is satisfying to build connections with people, and become a part of their life in some sense. They look forward to seeing me as much as I look forward to seeing them,” says Max.
There is not a week in each month when Max isn’t volunteering in some capacity. He currently volunteers at St. Joseph’s Care Group once a week, the Dementia Café a few Sundays each month and at the Dew Drop Inn once a month. “I just enjoy helping wherever I can,” he says.
Donna Jeanpierre, Volunteer Coordinator for St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG), knows the impact that a volunteer can have. “We often hear stories about clients and residents who look forward to visits from the volunteers. Volunteers are able to enhance their experiences, as they are able to spend time with them, playing
a game, taking part in an activity together, or just sitting together and listening.”
Ashley Bosnick-Kokocinski, Coordinator with Volunteer Services at St. Joseph’s Care Group’s Hogarth Riverview Manor & Sister Leila Greco Apartments, echoes that sentiment. “Our volunteers often share stories with us about their time spent with our clients and residents. It’s through these interactions that I’m reminded how the small moments can make big impacts-especially for those who may be feeling lonely. Whether it’s taking time to listen to their life stories, playing crib, reading a book together, providing a warm welcome at the door, or bringing them to the hair salon or to church, these moments make a big difference. We see smiles, laughter and meaningful connections being made. It warms my heart.”
Staff notice the effect that the volunteers have on the clients and residents as well. Dharmendra Prajapati, Therapeutic Recreationist at SJCG, shares that the volunteers help reduce loneliness and increase their sense of dignity. “They provide meaningful social interaction, emotional support and companionship, which enhances emotional well-being. Overall, volunteers contribute to improved quality of life, greater engagement and a more positive daily experience for the residents.”
The theme of National Volunteer Week this year is “Ignite volunteerism”. The goal is to encourage people to “find their thing” by showcasing the many personalized and flexible ways to contribute as a volunteer. The scope of volunteer opportunities is vast, and if you have an interest, there is something out there that will suit your individual skills and abilities. It only takes a phone call or a click on a link to reach out to organizations in your community -just like Donna and Max, you never know what rewarding experiences may await you.
For more information on volunteer opportunities with St. Joseph’s Care Group, please visit volunteers.sjcg.net or call 807-768-4448.
