Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre Volunteer Association

About

Established in 1974, the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre Volunteer Association is a non-profit organization with the following objectives:

• allow volunteers to contribute to the comfort and well-being of patients in collaboration with health care professionals;
• promote a sense of community ownership through volunteer action.

The Association fulfills its mission by organizing fundraisers and various activities to mobilize the financial and human resources required to supplement the care provided to patients. It works closely with Volunteer Services to enrich the patient experience. In addition, any volunteer registered with the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC, who reaches the minimum number of hours required, automatically becomes a member of the Association.

Background

It was on November 20, 1974, that a dozen women interested in volunteering with patients at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre met for the first time. A few weeks later, the Volunteer Association was founded and counted 45 members. Even then, the Association's goal was to plan various projects to ensure patient comfort and promote volunteering. Since this modest beginning, the number of volunteers has grown steadily. Our volunteers are a reflection of the community; the Association includes youth, adults, men, women, working professionals, and retirees. They all share the same motivation: to serve patients with compassion and friendship.

Board of Directors

The Volunteer Association is managed by a Board of Directors that is elected annually.

Here are the members of the 2024–2025 Board of Directors:

• President : Eugène Aucoin
• Secretary : Jacqueline Kenny
• Vice-Chair : Peggy Guérin
• Outgoing Chair : Josée Maltais
• Treasurer : Huguette Lagacé
• Advisors :
  • Louise LeBlanc
  • Émile Gallant
  • Camille Gaudet
  • Cécile Savoie

Gifts and activities

Every year, the Volunteer Association provides funds for projects and equipment directly related to patient comfort. These funds are raised throughout the year through various fundraising activities, such as the traditional fudge sale, bazaars and lotteries, as well as profits from Appel Dumont Response.

The Association expects to contribute over $75,000 annually towards the comfort and well-being of patients.

The personal emergency reporting system is an important project and a great source of pride for the Volunteer Association. Every year, Appel Dumont Response makes it possible for several hundreds of elderly and frail individuals to remain safely in their own homes for as long as possible.