Andrea Martin became a Hospice Society volunteer when the very first call went out for people to sit with a woman in the 100 Mile District General Hospital.
She says that the experience touched her heart and changed her life.
“I still remember her smile; there weren’t a lot of words spoken but there was a real connection with eye contact and holding hands,” Martin explains.
“Her smile said everything I needed to hear and know and I hope my presence gave her something she needed as well.
“It was an overwhelming experience connecting with another human going through something I didn’t know anything about. I felt that my place was right there with her, and I think the other volunteers came away with that, too. It’s overwhelming and powerful.”
After being involved with the 100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society on and off from the very beginning, Martin eventually joined the board of directors.
“Last year, I re-did the training as a refresher and realized all over again that sitting with people was really where my heart is.”
She says volunteers are not doing it for the thanks, but they’re doing it because they know what it means to the families.
“The thing that has made me the proudest of being part of Hospice is that 100 Mile House has always been volunteer-based.
“The training was absolutely useful; it taught me the art of just being, and listening, and knowing that the time you’re with that client is their time. It’s their story and their journey and we’re just there to be with them.”
To find out how to volunteer with the Hospice Society, visit www.100miledistricthospice.org or phone 250-395-7680.