Become a Volunteer
Why volunteer?
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
Volunteering at Cedars CanSupport is a unique and rewarding experience. It is challenging yet inspiring to be able to serve patients, their family and friends. Volunteers contribute to the atmosphere of caring cultivated by our professional medical staff. We are grateful that you’re interested in helping out.
You can help patients and caregivers in many ways:
- Reassure patients that they are not alone and offer companionship
- Demonstrate a sense of commitment, compassion, and community
- Perform small tasks that may improve the quality of the hospital experience
- Be present to help relieve loneliness and feelings of frustration patients may experience
- Help patients feel valued
Volunteer roles
- Welcoming service:
Being in a new environment can be stressful. Volunteers greet patients and guide them to where they need to go, whether it is the registration desk, treatment area, cafeteria or parking lot. - Cedars CanSupport Resource Centre:
A cancer diagnosis raises many questions and concerns. This is a central location for information and resources. Volunteers can help patients and their caregivers find information on cancer, parking, workshops, support groups, emotional support services and much more. - Friendly visits:
Being hospitalized can be a lonely experience. Volunteers visit cancer patients who are admitted to the hospital. They can be an active listener, a comforting presence when family or friends cannot be present, and can help pass the long hospital hours. - Patient flow service:
Volunteers help locate patients in the waiting room and direct them to where they have to go. - Palliative Care Unit volunteers:
- Friendly Visiting: Engage in supportive conversation and active listening.
- Holiday Events: Organize events such as December’s gift giving.
- Memorial Services: Greet bereaved family members and friends attending memorials and help with set up.
- Tea @ 2:
This program is a small get-away from cancer. Patients, families and staff from the hematology and oncology unit enjoy live music, homemade cakes, cookies and tea served in china cups.
Volunteer requirements
Pre-Requisites:
The minimum age to volunteer is 18 years old at the time of beginning your commitment.
If you were a former patient of the Cedars Cancer Centre, there is a one year waiting period before you can apply to become a volunteer.
Profile:
Knowledge of French and English
Autonomy, strong people skills & dependability
Discretion, flexibility
How to Volunteer
All volunteers must first go through the McGill University Health Centre Volunteer Services. Please follow the instructions provided by the Volunteer Services to apply to be a volunteer (https://muhc.ca/volunteer/page/volunteer-now). Clearly indicate that you are interested in volunteering with Cedars CanSupport.
Steps to follow:
1. Download the application package. Depending on your browser, you may have to save the page to your computer before filling it out.
- Complete the application form
- Read and sign the confidentiality agreement
- Attach a photo
- Completed reference forms
2. Ensure that you are able to meet the requirements listed below
3. Email or mail the completed package to the appropriate office mentioned below.
If you will be sending in your application via email, please scan your completed application and references and save as a PDF.
Mailing address:
Racha Hajjar
1001 Decarie Boulevard, Room D. RC 1305
Montreal, Quebec
H4A 3J1
Or e-mail to:
Volunteer Application Package