Volunteer Services
Volunteers are special people who take the time out of their schedules to help at Hospice. Since opening our doors in 2009, 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
"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.
2023 Volunteer Hospice Hero
Barry Nisbett
The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but in the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. These words exemplify how Barry Nisbett has made an impact in our community, on those he loves, and on those he serves at Hospice. Barry joined the ARCH team back in 2010 and has left a mark on all of our hearts here at Hospice. Barry can often be found volunteering on the grounds from completing snow removal and sanding to lawn cutting and repair. It warms our hearts to see Barry each week creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. Outside of the Hospice, Barry is always willing to help out at multiple fundraising events as he understands the importance of community involvement. ARCH provides an important service to our community, and it is through these dedicated efforts Barry ensures that ARCH can continue to provide the best care. We are blessed to have him as part of our ARCH family. Barry truly enhances the lives of those we serve at Hospice. It is an honour and joy to serve alongside Barry.
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.