The service, the smile, the difference: Celebrating our volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of Sinai Health, sharing their time, dedication and compassion to support our patients, families and people every day. Together, their unique contributions come together to create something greater.
From greeting visitors and helping them find their way, to supporting care teams and improving access to resources, volunteers contribute across our hospitals in many ways. Some of these moments are visible – while others happen more quietly, through small acts of care and connection that leave a lasting impact.
“Their commitment, curiosity, and passion inspire us all,” says Theresa Shiel, Director, Volunteer Resources at Sinai Health. “They are such an essential part of Sinai Health, and we’re grateful for the impact they make every single day.”
Sinai Health is proud to be supported by more than 600 volunteers, co-op students and 10 Pet Visiting Teams, who contribute over 75,000 hours of service each year. These hours represent more than time - they reflect a strong commitment to compassionate care.
“Volunteers are so much the fabric of Sinai Health,” said Dr. Gary Newton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sinai Health. “They provide warmth and comfort to our patients and their families. I hope they get as much joy out of volunteering as they provide to all of us across our hospitals.”
Meet some of our volunteers across Sinai Health and hear what inspires them, how they make an impact, and what being a part of our volunteer community means to them.
What inspired you to volunteer at Sinai Health, and what keeps you coming back?
I was inspired by my passion for patient care and goal of becoming a physician. I’ve seen patients arrive in significant pain, some unable to walk, and later return having regained their mobility and independence. Witnessing how deeply this impacts both physical and emotional well-being has motivated me to support patients during vulnerable moments.
How do volunteers support patients, families or staff in ways that might not always be visible?
It’s often the small, everyday moments that can make the most impact. Sometimes it’s grabbing a warm blanket if a patient is cold, or walking a visitor to where they need to go so the staff don’t need to step away. Sometimes it’s sitting with a patient who’s anxious and listening. For families, I think it’s reassuring that someone is there with their loved one when they can’t be.
Volunteers improve access to educational resources for patients. As a volunteer on the stroke unit, I encourage patients to attend the stroke education program, assist them in getting there, and support them in accessing resources in a variety of different languages.
How does being part of the volunteer community at Sinai Health make you feel?
The volunteer community at Sinai Health is welcoming. I feel grateful and proud to be part of such a collective. Whether it is helping to feed a patient or assisting in the NICU, you’re making someone else’s day a little brighter and easier in the process. Our presence, no matter how small, makes an impact.
How do you hope people feel after interacting with a volunteer?
More comfortable, and less nervous. I want them to know they are not alone. Coming into a hospital for the first time can be scary and overwhelming. I try to let patients know they are in the best place possible. When a patient thanks me for being there, those words mean more than anything.
If someone was considering volunteering, what would you tell them about the impact one person can have?
Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference, like staccato notes in music. Each note may be brief, but together they create something expressive and impactful. Small actions - like starting a song, inviting someone to join, or by simply showing up regularly - add up to something larger. It’s the accumulation of these moments that matters.
Watch: How our volunteers make a difference
If you are interested in our volunteer programs, or would like to apply, we invite you to visit our Volunteer Resources page.
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