Chatham-Kent Hospice is honouring one of its volunteers.
The 2021 June Callwood Award for outstanding achievement in volunteerism goes to Louise Stallaert for her care and compassion, as well as her work on the organization’s Living Memory program.
“I volunteer because I like to be of service and provide comfort through conversation. I genuinely like people and I enjoy listening to any stories they may wish to share,” Stallaert says.
Stallaert helped develop materials and policies for the Living Memory program, which allows residents to reminisce about their lives and record memories to share with loved ones. She creates a comfortable and trusting atmosphere for the residents’ storytelling, resulting in their individualized “book”, complete with title page, written in the residents’ own words.
“Louise’s genuine and warm way of engaging with residents brings joy and healing while helping them contemplate their lives in a meaningful way,” Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Watson says. “She has always been flexible and generous with her time, providing comfort care and companionship to residents when they are in need of extra support.”
