Volunteer Services
Volunteers are special people who take the time out of their schedules to help at Hospice. Since opening our doors in 2008, we have been fortunate to have volunteers work alongside our team to help provide the compassionate, collaborative, and quality end-of-life care that we commit to our community.
When volunteering at ARCH, you have the chance to provide the greatest gift to someone during their end-of-life journey. We provide you with the proper training and education so you feel confident when sharing your time with others.
I am here to help!
"I volunteer at ARCH because it is such an important aspect of people's end of life care. The people at ARCH are some of the nicest, gentlest, kindest people I have ever met and am proud to be a part of this caring team."
Hospice Hero & June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers
Each year ARCH Hospice is proud to recognize exceptional individuals who make an outstanding contribution to our community. Hospice Heroes embody ARCH values and are leaders who inspire positive change. The recipient of the Hospice Hero Volunteer award will also be nominated for the June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers award and invited to attend the HPCO conference award ceremony in Richmond Hill.
2025 Volunteer Hospice Hero
Valerie Eddy
Valerie Eddy, our beloved volunteer of 5 years, is a constant source of kindness, warmth, and support at ARCH. Whether welcoming visitors at reception, offering comfort in palliative care, or lending a hand in the kitchen, Valerie’s presence is felt throughout our Hospice Home. Her gentle spirit, compassion, and generosity have made her not only a valued volunteer but a cherished member of our team. Valerie has a natural gift for making people feel seen, heard, and cared for, offering a steady hand and a listening ear when it’s needed most. Her quiet strength and calm presence have brought comfort to countless residents and families during life’s most challenging moments. She steps in with grace, always with a smile and a heart full of care. As Elizabeth Andrew once said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Valerie’s heart for helping others is evident in every action, every shift, and every connection she makes. In recognition of her dedication and impact, Valerie Eddy is honoured as the 2025 Volunteer Hospice Hero. Her contributions continue to inspire and touch the lives of all at ARCH
What is the June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers?
The June Callwood Award was established in 1994 by the Hospice Association of Ontario, now Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, to acknowledge and thank outstanding hospice volunteers throughout Ontario. The award was named in honour of the late June Callwood, the Award Patron, and long time advocate of hospice, community activist, author and recipient of the Order of Canada. June was the inaugural recipient of of award since then, 855 hospice volunteers have been inducted into the Circle of Outstanding Volunteers. Volunteers are special people – a view strongly held by Ms. Callwood and expressed by her on many occasions, during interviews on TV and radio, remarks at annual conferences, and through her writing. Her book, Twelve Weeks in Spring, captured the spirit of hospice and emphasized the importance of the many and varied contributions of a team of volunteers. In all her years as a journalist, author, broadcaster and humanitarian, June Callwood’s name became synonymous with integrity, talent and passion for social justice. She has touched the lives of generations of Canadians by giving that passion expression through her words and through her work in the service of those in need.