Ruth Joyce, Volunteer

Former teacher finds new career as a volunteer

If you have been working for most of your life, you are probably dreaming about retirement. But what will you do when you actually get there? If you are anything like TSH volunteer Ruth Joyce, chances are you’ll work some more. 

It all started with a chance meeting with Wanda Bowen, Child Life Specialist at The Scarborough Hospital.

“I taught Wanda’s son in kindergarten, and she used to help out with the kindergarten class,” says Ruth. “After I retired, I got a call from Wanda asking me to come work in the playroom at the hospital, and that’s where I volunteered for about six years.”

Ruth may have still been in the playroom had it not been for a nasty fall, which limited her activity. This however led her into another area.

“Around the time of my fall, Lifeline was recommended to me,” Ruth says, referring to the personal response service that allows subscribers to summon help if they are injured.

“Through that connection I began working with a representative from the company,” Ruth continues. “I’ve gone with them to do presentations in the Physiotherapy unit at the General, at the Fracture Clinic, and with the Community Care Access team.”

But of all her volunteer activities, the Volunteer Bazaar feels most significant. For the past seven years Ruth has coordinated the Bazaar at the General campus, and has seen it grow from being a general fundraising venture to a targeted support initiative.

“I have always felt that people would rally to a specific cause, which is why I encouraged the team to focus the Bazaar on a specific area,” says Ruth. “In 2002, we pledged to raise $25,000 in five years for the ambulance waiting area. We did it in four.”

Though her personal experience is what encouraged her to become a volunteer, it is TSH’s warm, friendly environment that has kept Ruth here for the past fifteen years.

“I have made many friends amongst the volunteers and I find my involvement with Volunteer Services to be fulfilling,” she says. “I thoroughly enjoy working with the staff at TSH. They appreciate what we do and make us feel that we are an important part of the team.”