If you’re looking to meet people and make a difference, you should consider volunteering at NHH. Volunteers come from all walks of life, and while many come with a background in health, it’s not a prerequisite. Just this week, the NHH Auxiliary is celebrating two outstanding student volunteers who are keen take what they’ve learned at the hospital and apply it to careers in the health sector.
The Dixie Mikel Scholarship is presented each year to two deserving student volunteers who have worked 80 hours or more at the hospital and are either registered in or attending a post secondary course of study in health sciences, nursing, medical research, or biotechnology.
We asked NHH Auxiliary President Selena Forsyth to tell us more about the woman behind the award.
Selena told us that Yvonne Mikel, who was known to all as Dixie, was the wife of a prominent local physician, Dr. Don Mikel. She was a long-time supporter of the Auxiliary at the former Cobourg hospital site, and is credited with founding the Student Auxiliary Volunteer program which continues to this day, in it’s expanded form, at Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH).
Forsyth gave us a bit of background on the origin of Dixie’s nickname.
Forsyth told Dixie was the founded the Candy Stripers program at the old hospital, and she also created the grant program that shares her name to encourage those looking at a career in medicine.
The two $1,250.00 scholarships this year went to Tovan Lew and Sydney Fournier.
Selena told us a bit about Tovan who is currently attending Trent University in Peterborough where he is studying Biomedical Science.
She also told us more about Sydney who is enrolled in the Health Sciences program at the University of Ottawa.
Selena told us that they’re always looking for volunteers, both young and old.
Volunteers are given the opportunity to experience all aspects of hospital life from the emergency room to palliative care and everything in between. Critical front line positions are filled by volunteers who’ll you find at the front desk, ready to help you get to where you need to at the hospital.
Volunteers also work at Petticoat Lane, which is off site and at the Little Treasures Shop in the hospital, both of which help fund the efforts of the NHH Auxiliary.
You can volunteer at your own pace as well, whether that’s a few hours a week, or a few hours a month.
To learn more about how you can make a difference at Northumberland Hills Hospital, or to download an application form, check out the volunteer page here:
Selena also mentioned that if you have questions you can call the Manager of Volunteers directly at 905-372-6811 ext. 4630.
Written by Joseph Goden
