The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 1

By Stacey McIndless

It was 100 years ago on May 4, 1910 that Canada officially launched its own navy. Throughout 2010 the official slogan of the centennial, Commemorate, Celebrate, Commit, will reverberate in ceremonies across Canada celebrating the history and legacy of the Royal Canadian Navy (now the Canadian Forces Maritime Command) and offer all Canadians a chance to reflect on the service and sacrifices of the men and women who served and continue to serve.

One such ceremony took place in K Wing on May 18, involving the planting of 20 very special rose bushes. The Wren Association of Toronto, along with Wren Associations across Canada, chose a rose developed by Agriculture Canada and grown by J.C. Bakker Nurseries to mark this very special year in Canadian history. The shrub rose AC Navy Lady has been named in dedication to Canadian women who served in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service, known as the Wrens. A beautiful dark red velvet with a very light fragrance, it is available for purchase through selected retail nurseries across Canada.

The commemorative planting at Sunnybrook was the initiative of Daphne Tully who is in her 28th year as a Sunnybrook volunteer and is also a former Wren. During the Second World War, Daphne joined the Wrens with the British Navy and was drafted to Egypt for a year and then to Naples for another year. The war ended soon after and upon emigrating to Canada Daphne continued her association with the Wrens as a Canadian member. When she first heard about the Navy Lady rose, Daphne knew that she had to find a way to bring a planting to the Veterans Therapeutic Garden at Sunnybrook.

Funding the project was the first hurdle to overcome. As a Fine Arts volunteer and an artist herself, Daphne has also been closely involved in the Ceiling Tile Project along with it’s founders Margaret Keene (Nuclear Medicine technician) and Lorrie Clarke (Creative Arts Therapist – K Wing). The Ceiling Tile project was officially launched in 2000 with an initial financial commitment of support from the Junior League of Toronto and the National Breast Cancer Fund. Some of the money from the founding commitment remained in the ceiling tile account and the

“Navy Lady Rose” Marks Canadian Navy’s 100th Year

At the dedication ceremony for the Navy Lady rose bushes for the Veterans Centre - L-R: Esther McKinnon, President Sunnybrook Volunteer Association; Margaret Haliburton, President Toronto Wren Association; Charlotte Bastien, Regional Director General, Veterans Affairs Canada; Commander (Navy) Don McDonald, Canadian Forces College and Dr. Barry McLellan, President and CEO Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Photo courtesy Sunnybrook Communications.

Volunteer Association happily made those funds available to purchase the 20 rose bushes. With this in hand, Daphne then approached Phil Spring another Creative Arts Therapist who specializes in horticultural therapy and works with the veterans in K Wing. Phil agreed to help the veterans plant the roses in the Therapeutic Garden.

Finally, the connection to the Ceiling Tile Project meant it only fitting to have a tile created featuring the rose. Veteran and artist, Anne Wood was honoured to help with this. Her original work along with tiles created by Steve Gallows and Lorrie Clarke are installed in the Royal Canadian Legion Physiotherapy and Stroke Gym in K Wing.

The May 18 unveiling for both the rose and the ceiling tile, was attended by Sunnybrook President and CEO Barry McLellan, Commander Don McDonald and officers of the Canadian Forces College and the Navy as well as Charlotte Bastien, Acting Regional Director General for Veterans Affairs Canada. It was a festive ceremony involving many veterans and former Wrens. Sunnybrook volunteers and history students from Leaside High School, who received a rose bush to plant at the school, also attended.

Volume XI - Issue 2 June 2010

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 2

A Message from… Esther McKinnonPresident, Sunnybrook Volunteer AssociationI can hardly believe my first year as president has come and gone. While I have enjoyed the experience thoroughly, the highlight truly has been meeting so many of you and learning about all the great things the volunteers are doing.

I am delighted to report that, this past fiscal year, all our fundraising areas did a great job. Greenthumbs, Fine Arts and the Beauty Salon all showed an increase in sales and the Gift Shop was only down slightly – an impressive result if you consider that most retail operations in 2009 experienced declines of 12% or more. Congratulations to all of the volunteers for a job well done in these important fundraising areas.

In May, I had the honour of unveiling the Navy Lady rose at a ceremony in Warriors Hall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original Royal Canadian Navy. The SVA donated 20 of these special rose bushes, commissioned by the women of the navy, the Wrens. These bushes will be planted in the Veterans Therapeutic Gardens. You can read more about this special event elsewhere in this issue.

At our recent Annual General Meeting, the SVA presented a cheque for $150,000 to Dr. Barry McLellan, President and CEO, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre along with Dr. Jeffrey Tyberg, Chief, Department of Emergency Services and Jeff O’Hagan, CEO of the Sunnybrook Foundation. This represents our latest payment towards our $1.5 million pledge for the new Emergency and Trauma Department. We have now contributed over $1 million to this project, showing how volunteers are there “when it matters most.”

This is an important year for the SVA, as we celebrate two major milestones. In 1990, Jack Poynton had a vision that the green house on the Estates of Sunnybrook could be a great volunteer fundraising activity and the Sunnybrook management team supported him. Since then, countless flowers, plants and baskets have been sold with new and exciting opportunities every year. As well, 40 years ago, Elizabeth Thisbe Shenke founded a Fine Arts group, to decorate the halls of the hospital for our Veterans, who at that time were in the main building. For the last 30 years, Stan and Daphne Tully have shepherded the Fine Arts program, with the help of Bill Toyne, Kay Mackett, Leonard Melamed, Mary Lee, Joy Gilchrist and Margaret Keene, bringing beauty to the halls of Sunnybrook. Congratulations to both these groups for their milestone anniversaries.

Lastly, I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their hard work and dedication over this past year. It is with

their insight, ideas and efforts that we have been able to accomplish all that we have. Particular thanks go to Gillian Jagasia for her contribution to the Board over the last two-and-a-half years – and a warm welcome goes to Annabel Moore who replaces Gillian as a Member at Large.

Whether you are taking the summer off from your volunteering roles or will continue to volunteer, I would

like to wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe summer.

Esther McKinnon

Notes & Reminders

• The Volunteer Association is planning a large Vendor’s Fair to be held in the McLaughlin Auditorium on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 with up to 40 vendors selling a variety of attractive merchandise. Be sure to mark this date in your calendar. Plan to attend to support the SVA and take advantage of what is expected to be a great selection of gifts and personal items.

• This issue contains a very interesting article by Joan Willingham on volunteering in the Mental Health unit at Sunnybrook. On that subject, you might be interested to know that Mental Health has access to a small garden of their own that their residents use for recreation and therapy. Mental Health staff have enquired whether any volunteers would be interested in helping out occasionally with the maintenance of the garden. If you would like to know more, please contact Beth Singleton in Volunteer Resources.

• Please note the Volunteer Association has changed its email address – you can now contact the SVA office at sva@sunnybrook.ca.

• A reminder also that, if you have not yet given your email address to the SVA office, you should do so right away so that you can receive the quarterly newsletter and other volunteer communications in a timely manner.

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 3

A Message from…Katherine AlexopoulosDirector, Volunteer Resources

As June comes to an end, some of you will be taking a break from volunteering during the summer and student volunteers will be helping to augment and assist in some areas. For those who will be away, we wish you a good break and look forward to your return after Labour Day. For those who continue during the summer months, we appreciate your time and commitment to ensure that services to patients, residents and families continue.

Thanks to the hard work and effort of Carol Banks and our summer student, Ioana Cozma, we are fortunate to have more than 300 students participating in our summer student program again this year. It is wonderful to see their energy and enthusiasm.

Carol and Ioana were also responsible for organizing a very successful fourth annual Healthcare Career Fair in May. Nearly 300 students attended and 24 different disciplines were represented. Both the Fair and our student volunteer programs provide many young people with the opportunity to make more informed decisions about their future career paths.

Over the summer we will be busy with final plans for the relocation of the Women & Babies Program on Sept. 12. If you are interested in helping on “move day” and have not already informed us, please do so before the end of June by contacting Jennifer Trelle. Our plans include orientation sessions and tours of the new space for volunteers, assessing impacts on our existing services such as Wheelchair Escort and Greeters and, once the program has settled in on the Sunnybrook campus, working with staff to pursue any volunteer opportunities that may develop.

The pace and extent of the many changes and new initiatives taking place at Sunnybrook can be overwhelming. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm and level of engagement of our volunteers is always a reminder to us of how committed you are and how we can always count on you!

All of us in Volunteer Resources, wish you a safe and happy summer!

Katherine Alexopoulos

SVA Treasurer, Sam Grzesh (left), presents the Association’s 2010 installment on its ER/Trauma unit pledge to L-R: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre CEO Dr. Barry McLellan, Department of Emergency Services Chief Dr. Jeffrey Tyberg and Sunnybrook Foundation CEO Jeff O’Hagan. Photo by Sunnybrook Media Source.

SVA Donations to ER/Trauma Unit Pass $1,000,000

At the Sunnybrook Volunteer Association’s annual general meeting on May 26, the Association presented a $150,000 installment to the hospital against its 2005 pledge of $1.5 million to Sunnybrook’s new state of the art ER/Trauma unit. This installment brings the Association’s total contribution to date to $1,050,000. Congratulations to everyone who has been instrumental in raising these funds!

Many Thanks to 2009/10 Donors!

In the past fiscal year, the Volunteer Association has received a number of donations of $500 or more from corporations and individuals alike, including:

• JGS Limited - $3,000 for the restoration of the Greenthumbs green house roof

• Nottawasaga Day Lillies - $1,777 donation in kind to Greenthumbs

• Penny J. Ballagh - $500 for ceiling tiles• Imperial Oil Ltd. - $1,000 for family kits in the

Emergency Department• Scotiabank - $1,000 for walker totes.

Our thanks go out to these generous donors for their support.

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 4

By Joan Willingham

The volunteers in Sunnybrook’s Mental Health unit are a remarkable group of people. They each provide a program in the unit that requires not only their particular skill, but also awareness, patience and a willingness to adapt to individual needs.

Mental Health occupies two floors in F Wing. F1 is for outpatient clinics and that is where Mike Dane volunteers by teaching a Tai Chi class every Monday afternoon. Mike has been coming to Sunnybrook for 19 years, primarily to teach in the Veterans Wing. A few years ago he was asked to teach in the Mental Health unit’s outpatient clinic. Members of the Toronto Tai Chi Society are required to volunteer their teaching time, and Mike enjoys doing this because he knows the benefits for patients from learning how to move their body as it was intended. Classes offer a way for patients to focus on something other than their medical concerns for a short while and can help to reduce anxiety. Mike loves it when he sees patients smile and learns that they are continuing the exercises on their own.

The inpatient unit is on F2 and

has beds for 27 adults and eight adolescents whose stay could be anywhere from a few days to several months. I met with Lesley Breen the recreation therapist, and Lyndsay McTaggart the occupational therapist. Both were enthusiastic about the volunteers and emphasized that they have had a significant impact by creating an environment that is “calm, non-judging and friendly.” They praised the volunteers for their flexibility to adapt to individual needs, thus ensuring the classes are inclusive and safe.

Laurisa Dill is one of two yoga teachers from the Downward Dog Studio who volunteer at Sunnybrook. Each teaches a weekly one-hour class of Hatha Yoga for adult residents. The exercises are performed either standing or sitting. She credits the owners of Downward Dog for passing on their passion for teaching to her and others, and maintains they “planted the seeds” in her and others who have volunteered at Sunnybrook. Laurisa brings her skills as a teacher and her knowledge of the connection between movement and mental health to her

classes. She enjoys watching how concentration on doing the movements and following the breathing soothes the patients and allows them to focus inward, thus gaining some respite from their usual thinking patterns. She compares what she is doing to “opening doors.” Some patients may continue on their own, some may decide to join a class when they leave hospital and, for those who have done yoga before, the classes offer the comfort of a familiar routine, which in itself can be supportive. Lesley agrees that yoga can help reduce anxiety and can offer patients a break from some of the chaos they may be experiencing either externally or internally. For certain disorders yoga can help patients feel they have some control over their situation. It can also be helpful when recovering from depression.

Brian Webster is the team leader for the Pet Therapy group at Sunnybrook and he and O’Reilly, his Portuguese Water Dog, visit the Mental Health unit every Tuesday afternoon for 30 minutes. When his father lived on K Wing, Brian would bring his previous

Mike Dane volunteers every Monday afternoon in the Mental Health unit as a Tai Chi instructor. He loves to see patients pick up the discipline and continue on their own.

Volunteering in Mental Health – A Unique Opportunity

Mental Health unit occupational therapist, Lyndsay McTaggart (left) and recreational therapist, Lesley Breen (right) greatly appreciate the support of volunteer, Laurissa Dill (centre), one of two volunteers who provide weekly one-hour yoga classes for adult residents.

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 5

dog Billy to visit and noticed how much pleasure it brought to the other residents, so he decided to volunteer when he retired. He contacted Therapeutic Paws of Canada who train dogs for Pet Therapy and began volunteering in the Veterans Wing five years ago. Three years ago he began bringing O’Reilly to the Mental Health unit. He sets out a water bowl and always has dog cookies if a patient would like to give O’Reilly a treat. Some will pet O’Reilly or talk with Brian while others just like being in the room.

Brian also plays guitar and sings in the unit every second Friday. The impetus for this came after he went out west to help his sister-in-law who had a brain tumour. He took his guitar for his own pleasure but she asked him to bring it to the hospital when he was visiting. When he played, people gathered around and nurses brought in patients in wheelchairs to listen. One man in a wheelchair began singing and his nurse started crying. Afterwards, Brian learned the man had previously had a stroke and had not spoken since. Hearing the music, the man began singing and from there began talking again. So Brian began performing in the Veterans Wing and in the Mental Health unit. He believes in the positive effect music can have on people and loves it when people start to sing along. He admits that performing here has given him more confidence to play

and sing in other locations.

It was a suggestion from a former social worker that first brought Louise Steel to the Mental Health unit. She was asked if the book cart could come to the unit to provide patients with some reading material, so Louise has been bringing her book cart up every Monday for nine years. She stops her cart outside the nurse’s station and goes down the hall asking if anyone would like a book or magazine. Louise, a retired schoolteacher, has a very positive attitude, lots of energy and loves meeting people. Patients

talk with her because they know she is non-judgmental and she is a good listener. If someone expresses an interest in a particular subject Louise remembers and will try to find something on that subject and put it on the cart for her next visit

Louise believes everyone has a talent for something. One day a patient complained of not having any talent, but Louise said, “You have ears, you can be a listener.” It is this attitude that makes her so accepted with staff and patients on the unit. Sometimes she hears a patient say, “the bluecoat’s here, so now we have books.”

The Mental Health unit is a unique area of the hospital’s operations that may not have been as visible to volunteers in the past. It is indeed a novel and potentially rewarding placement. All the volunteers said they believe in what they are doing and take pleasure in using their skills to make a contribution. Lesley Breen praised the volunteers for their interest in mental health and their compassion towards those experiencing difficulties related to their mental well-being. Everyone in the department appreciates their time and dedication.

Brian Webster, team leader of Sunnybrook’s Pet Therapy group, and his Portuguese Water Dog, O’Reilly both volunteer every Tuesday afternoon in the Mental Health unit, bringing their special brand of support to the unit.

Sunnybrook volunteer, Louise Steele, left, regularly visits the Mental Health unit with her book cart, stocked whenever possible with subject matter reflecting residents’ interests.

Photos

by

Lena Koh

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 6

Hats On for the Spring Victorian Afternoon Tea

The SVA held its annual Victorian Afternoon Tea on April 14, 2010 attended by a large gathering of enthusiastic volunteers all decked out for spring. A great way to kick off the season!

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 7

The Babies Are Coming!By Bill Toyne

The culmination of five years of intensive study and planning will occur on September12, 2010 when the Sunnybrook Women and Babies program moves to its new home in M Wing from its current location at Women’s College Hospital.

On April 22 Sunnybrook volunteers were given an overview in the McLaughlin Auditorium by Patient Care Managers Monica Nicholson and Marion Deland who described the stunning state of the art facilities that are now being completed on the fourth and fifth floors of M Wing for this program. Monica and Marion are experienced nurses who have been deeply involved in the research and planning for this new facility.

We learned about the thoughtful planning for both the babies and their families reflected in the patient friendly rooms that include a sleep bench for the new father.

Mark Your CalendarGreenthumbs Plant Sales Weekdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.in the Greenhouse till the end of JuneGreenhouse will be closed for July and August. Re-opens Sept 13.

Book Sales Fri. June 18, Fri. July16, Fri Aug 20, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in D1 Breezeway.

Summer Student ProgramJuly 1 – Sept. 3, 2010 inclusive.

Women & Babies ProgramSept. 7-12 relocation of program from Women’s College to Sunnybrook.Sept. 12 Patients/Babies to be moved to Sunnybrook.

Veterans Centre volunteer Audrey Wilson has recently been awarded the Order of the Red Cross, Officer level for her 54 years of service to that organization. Photo by Sally Lewis.

Audrey Wilson Honouredby the Red Cross

In the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, each baby and family has their own room.

Internet connections will allow proud parents to send pictures of their newborn to family and friends. All these facilities are located in large, bright rooms lit from an expanse of windows. There is even the thoughtful addition of a television screen in the OR so that a mother delivering her child by Caesarean section can still see the baby when it is removed to an adjacent treatment room.

We also learned about the dedicated

intensive care staff who, supported by these new facilities, provide care for babies born prematurely -- some as early as 27 weeks.

Planning for this new facility goes far beyond the actual physical layout, room size and equipment. The family friendly orientation, specialised staff and other support functions are critical factors in the success of the unit. Much attention has been applied to this aspect of the transition.

Moving Day is not that far away. It involves the transfer of 500 staff as well as their little patients and mothers and fathers. This is an opportunity for Sunnybrook volunteers to help in making the transition go smoothly. There are numerous tasks that volunteers can undertake to assist. The move will begin the week following Labour Day with the actual transfer taking place bright and early on Sunday, Sept. 12. If you are interested in helping on move day, please contact Jennifer Trelle in Volunteer Resources.

A strong tip of the SVA hat goes out to our own Audrey Wilson who was recently awarded the Order of the Red Cross, Officer level for her 54 years of service to that organization. This is the highest Red Cross honour given without international service and Audrey is only the fifth Ontarian to receive it.

At age 87, Audrey is still going strong volunteering one or two days a week in the Veterans Centre continuing on with the work she started in the 1950s. We all owe Audrey a huge vote of thanks. Well done!

In MemoriamOur thoughts go out to family

and friendsJulie Charles – April 2010

Pat David – April 2010

The Sunnybrook Volunteer—June 2010, Page 8

Newsletter CommitteeJohn Lang, Editor; Esther McKinnon, ex-officio;

Joan Willingham, Stacey McIndless and Bill Toyne membersDesign & Copy Editing: Lorraine Hunter

Printing: Sunnybrook Print ShopThe Newsletter Committee welcomes input from members interested in

joining Board Committees, helping out at SVA events, researching and/or writing articles for the newsletter, or taking photographs.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at: sva@sunnybrook.ca or 426-480-4132

ISSN 1918-7629 The Sunnybrook Volunteer

By Esther McKinnonOn March 25, I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 presentation of the SVA’s Continuing Education Support Fund Awards (CESF). The Volunteer Association sponsors both the SVA Awards and the SVA Book Awards for staff of the hospital who are attending college or university and who have demonstrated an interest in Geriatric Care, Health and Safety and Wellness/Nutrition.

Receiving SVA Awards of $2,000 Neil D’Souza, Quality Assurance Coordinator in Odette Cancer Centre, who is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Health Science;

Karen Megson Dowling, Recreational Therapist, LGSE, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Gerontology);

Sheldon Parchment, Patient Admin Associate, Ortho/Neurology, who is pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work (Gerontology);

Melodie Santos, Food Service Associate, Patient Food Service, who is pursuing a Food Nutrition Management diploma.

Receiving SVA Book Awards of $500 Ellen Li, Registered Practical Nurse, LGSE, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing;

Liam McManus, Activity Aide, K2E, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing degree;

Sheldon Parchment, Patient Admin Associate, Ortho/Neurology, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work (Gerontology).

Congratulations to all the winners!

SVA Presents 2010 Staff Education Awards

Esther McKinnon (centre) presents 2010 CESF staff awards to L-R: Liam McManus, Melodie Santos, Neil D’Souza, Karen Megson Dowling, Sheldon Parchment and Ellen Li. Photo courtesy Esther McKinnon.

Welcome New Volunteers!

Robert BeggsLinda BennettNorma Borden

Francois BoulangerMichael BoyerStella ClaveauNoreen Cook

Erin CoxPinhas EphratHenry Gibbs

Beryl GrahamGordon HuntShawn Hurst

Glenda HymusJoanna Kempiak

Cavell KingJoo Lee

Jaqueline LeungAllen Liu

Ralph McDonaldAnne McKenzieLisa Meschino

Behrouz MoemeniHanan Mohamed

Brain MooreAnnabel Moore

Panagiota PanagakosKamyar Pournazari

Edith ShoomJasmine ViraniBrittney Wirtz