The link between volunteers and leadership

The Kensington Volunteer Council is an important integrative link for volunteers of Kensington Health with the Kensington leadership team and staff. It aims to provide timely, constructive feedback from a volunteer perspective to Kensington Health. Our Council will:

• Foster and maintain an open and consultative relationship with other KH stakeholders, including KH leadership and staff, with respect to volunteer programs at KH;
• Consult with and advise the KH leadership team by offering the volunteer perspective regarding a variety of issues concerning the volunteer experience at KH;
• Suggest creative and meaningful ways to engage volunteers as integral members of the KH team;
• Review and provide feedback on KH policies, procedures, and initiatives pertaining to the volunteer experience, e.g. recruitment, orientation, training, supervision, support, recognition, and retention, health, safety, and wellness, etc.;
• Provide advice with a view to help plan, create, and enhance KH programs and services through participation on committees, focus groups, and other partnerships as needed;
• When requested by KH, help promote and provide education regarding KH volunteering, e.g. recruitment events, volunteer training, etc.

Our values

All Kensington Volunteer Council members will strive to foster an environment of trust, transparency, diversity, equity, inclusion, mutual respect of ideas, and open communication for all members of the Kensington Health community.

Meet our members

Julie Rae, Co-Chair

I have been volunteering at Kensington Hospice since 2016, first in the Reception volunteer role and more recently as a Nutrition Resource volunteer. In my time at the hospice, I have learned so much from the staff, residents, families and other volunteers about kindness and grace. I look forward to supporting the other volunteers in this role on the Council.

Diana Wright, Co-Chair

I have been an active volunteer at Kensington Gardens since December 2021. My role as Friendly Visitor has provided me the opportunity to get to know and learn from a wonderful group of residents. They have enriched my life. I am amazed by the positivity and dedication of the staff, who truly care for the residents as if they were family. 

I look forward to being a member of the Volunteer Council, where I can learn more about Kensington Health and help support all the volunteers.

Tito Mafiuyomi, Member

I am a student at University of Toronto. I started as a Pre/Post-op and Family Reunification volunteer in the clinics at 340 College and I moved to the hospice in May of 2022. It has been a wonderful experience and I have thoroughly enjoyed my interaction with everyone I have met, ranging from patients to staff to other volunteers. I am excited to be a member of the Kensington Volunteer Council so I can support and advocate for other volunteers and make sure they have an amazing experience.  

Leah Ragoonah, Member

I've had the pleasure of volunteering in a number of roles here at Kensington Health, including Friendly Visitor, Meal Assistant and Pre/Post-Op Volunteer at the Kensington Screening Clinic. My experience, thus far, has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. From interacting with residents and patients, to staff and family members, and other volunteers, I've learnt so much and witnessed so much kindness and love. This community has become close to my heart and in joining the Kensington Volunteer Council, I hope to be a voice for those I interact with and an advocate for volunteers alike, so that we can work together to make this beautiful community even better. 

Ernest Gasparyan, Member

My name is Ernest and I am one of the KVC members this year! I am a university student studying biomedical sciences and I have been a volunteer at the Kensington Screening Clinic  for 2 years. I am very passionate about our volunteering program and I am excited to contribute to its constant development into a fun and welcoming space for us all! 

Nir Meltzer, Member

As a volunteer at Second Mile Club, I have had the pleasure of meeting both residents and staff at Kensington Health, as well as so many members of Second Mile Club. My experience as a volunteer has been very rewarding and I attribute that to not only the clients/members that I have met, but also the wonderful staff and volunteers that I am lucky to work with. I look forward to working on the council and making all our experiences at Kensington and Second Mile Club the best that they can be.  

Simon Donato-Woodger, Member

I've been volunteering with Kensington Gardens since 2015, when my Nonna was a resident in the North Building. I've always been deeply impressed by the quality-of-care Kensington provides, and by the opportunities Kensington makes available to its volunteers. I've joined the KVC in the hopes of continuing this outstanding service, and to extend it to future volunteers. I look forward to helping organize events, inducting new volunteers, and contributing to the larger community of care that makes Kensington so well-known all across the city.  

Neall Struwig, Member 

I've had the privilege of serving as a Kitchen/Nutrition volunteer since the summer of 2021. I fell in love with providing for our community through the language of food. Motivated to deepen my involvement, I applied for the Kensington Volunteer Council. As a council member, I aim to advocate for the unique contributions of volunteers and to ensure that our community remains a place of collaboration and warmth. I look forward to being an active part of this wonderful environment and contributing to the positive impact we can create together. 

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