NEWS & UPDATES

Exceptional service: volunteers awarded Honorary Lifetime Memberships

Victoria Hospice Society is pleased to recognize three exceptional volunteers with Honorary Lifetime Membership Awards. Elizabeth Garret, Mary-Anne Gibbs, and Colleen Tiltman were honoured at the VHS Annual General Meeting Sept. 22, 2022.

Elizabeth Garret has been a member of the Victoria Hospice volunteer team for more than 12 years and has given more than 1,500 hours of service for patients and families. In addition to her support on the Inpatient Unit, she has been a stalwart supporter of many Victoria Hospice events, and recently joined the Rooftop Garden team. Elizabeth is a lifelong volunteer who has had an extraordinary impact on many community organizations. She is an invaluable part of our volunteer program, and we are so grateful for her warmth, kindness, and compassionate spirit.

Mary-Anne Gibbs has been a member of the volunteer team for six years has given nearly 800 hours of her time and talent to Victoria Hospice. Mary-Anne is known for her exceptional compassion with the approach of a consummate professional. Always willing to step up and offer her time when it is needed, from short notice shifts on the Inpatient Unit, to supporting events and bereavement programs, she shows up for every shift with excitement and enthusiasm for the work of Victoria Hospice, bringing new ideas and always thinking of the best way to support our patients. We are so lucky for her continued commitment and support for Victoria Hospice.

Colleen Tiltman joined our volunteer team in 2016 and has given nearly 700 hours of service and support to Victoria Hospice patients and families. Colleen approaches her volunteer work with extraordinary compassion, quiet confidence, and a curiosity that lets her build relationships with ease. First serving on the Inpatient Unit, Colleen went on to support bereavement services groups and provided individual support for people in bereavement. Her kindness extends beyond the defined roles at hospice, and recently launched a yoga group for clients to create opportunity for health and healing through movement. Her caring attitude for everyone she works with is an inspiration. We are so fortunate to have her on our team.

“Victoria Hospice volunteers support people who are dying and their families with care and compassion every day. They exemplify the heart of hospice, and they are invaluable members of the Victoria Hospice team,” says CEO Kevin Harter. “We’re grateful for Elizabeth, Mary-Anne, and Colleen’s service and dedication.”