2026 is International Volunteer Year, the United Nations’ call to celebrate the efforts of volunteers in addressing societal challenges and fostering positive change. Seniors Services and Long-Term Care have a robust volunteer program, supported by individuals and groups who share their time and talents with residents and clients living in the City’s long-term care homes. Congratulations to this year’s Excellence in Volunteering Award recipients.
Firy has been volunteering at Bendale Acres since May 2024. Even with a busy personal life, she makes time for residents. She shows care by checking in on them, especially when they are not feeling well.
On any Tuesday, a visit to the Bistro shows how much Firy supports resident well-being. The room is filled with laughter, friendly conversation and the smell of coffee and fresh treats. Tables are full of residents and their guests talking together and enjoying the atmosphere. Firy does more than open the Bistro. She welcomes everyone with warmth and genuine care. As the Bistro convenor, she manages inventory, fills in for open shifts, trains new volunteers and submits financial information to the treasurer.
Firy has built strong, meaningful relationships with residents, families, staff and fellow volunteers. She transformed the Bistro into a warm, welcoming environment where residents and their guests want to stay, connect and build relationships.
Since 2009, Marilyn has been a dedicated volunteer with the City of Toronto. She began her service at Cummer Lodge and now volunteers at Carefree Lodge. Over 17 years, she has assisted residents and staff in many roles. These include support with the Adult Day Program and the Volunteer Executive. She has also spent time visiting residents and helping with recreation services. With a background in gerontology, Marilyn has knowledge of senior care and resident needs. She also leads a Montessori program for residents at Carefree Lodge.
Marilyn helps residents and clients through her caring and engaging approach. She takes time to understand each person and adjusts her support to meet their needs. This helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment. Her programs support thinking skills, emotional well-being and social connection. Through her service, Marilyn helps residents feel valued, respected and supported.
Chiara moved from Italy to Canada in 2016. She missed the sense of belonging that came with involvement in a local community. In 2023, Chiara discovered Castleview Wychwood Towers and began volunteering. Through friendly visits, Chiara has built meaningful connections with residents. She enjoys listening as residents share their stories and life experiences. These conversations have been thoughtful and rewarding, and Chiara has learned a great deal from them.
Chiara now supports residents during mealtimes and helps with bingo. She enjoys seeing residents and their excitement for the game. Chiara is dependable and takes the time to get to know each resident, showing great patience and care in everything she does. Volunteering has made a positive difference for residents and staff, while also giving Chiara a strong sense of purpose.
Rishi has been volunteering at Cummer Lodge since 2022. He gives his time most weekdays to support residents living on 4 South. He helps with activities like exercise programs, bowling and bingo. Rishi also brings residents to home-wide events. Sometimes he goes with them on outings to places like Centrepoint Mall, Splitsville Bowling and Swiss Chalet.
Rishi is always polite and welcoming, greeting residents, staff, volunteers and visitors with a warm smile. His kindness and caring nature make a positive difference in the lives of residents. He is reliable and consistent, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Rishi brings patience, flexibility and calm to every interaction. Residents value his steady presence and the comfort he provides.
Anne has been volunteering at Fudger House since 2022. She opens and operates the volunteer Tuck Shop. Every Monday and Wednesday, she opens the shop at 8:30 a.m.
She is friendly, helpful and knows everyone’s name and their “usual” order. She is a key support in the Tuck Shop and fills in for others when needed. Anne keeps track of inventory and alerts the Tuck Shop convenor when supplies need to be ordered. She restocks the shelves and keeps the Tuck Shop clean.
On Monday mornings, Anne also supports residents in the knitting circle program. She chats with residents and assists those who may need help with their projects.
Dawn has been a volunteer at Kipling Acres for over a year. She is dedicated, reliable and consistently willing to lend a helping hand. Dawn has played an important role in getting supplies for the Tuck Shop and supporting its success. She is a valued member of the volunteer team and the Kipling Acres community.
In the Tuck Shop, Dawn helps create a welcoming and friendly space for residents. She offers products that match residents’ interests by keeping up with popular and trending items. Her warm presence and dedication make the Tuck Shop an enjoyable place to visit. Through her efforts, Dawn supports residents’ independence, social connection and quality of life at Kipling Acres.
Suzanne has volunteered at Lakeshore Lodge since 2024. She is very dedicated and gives her time to caring for the outdoor gardens, which are enjoyed by residents, families, visitors and staff. Suzanne also supports the mealtime assistance program.
In the spring, Suzanne prepares the garden beds for planting. During the summer, she spends many hours weeding and caring for the front gardens. Suzanne helps keep the outdoor spaces looking welcoming and well cared for.
Many people notice and appreciate Suzanne’s dedication to keeping the gardens beautiful. She is always smiling and greets everyone with kindness and compassion.
Dennmark has been a dedicated and compassionate volunteer since September 2024. He first joined as a co-op student and chose to continue volunteering after his placement ended. This shows his strong commitment to supporting residents.
What sets Dennmark apart is the relationships he has built. He has become a familiar and trusted presence at Seven Oaks, and residents look forward to seeing him. His kindness, reliability and willingness to go the extra mile help make daily life better for everyone. His actions truly reflect the spirit of Excellence in Volunteering.
Dennmark began by supporting resident units, helping recreation staff run programs and spending time with residents. He soon expanded his role to include volunteering in the Gift Shop and friendly visiting. In the Gift Shop, Dennmark has become a leader by training and guiding new co-op students. He sets a positive example through his dependable and professional approach.
Since 2021, Lindsay has been a valuable True Davidson Acres volunteer. She visits with about ten residents each week through friendly visiting. Lindsay also supports residents on the secured unit during mealtimes. She helps lead sensory activities for residents with behaviour and memory challenges.
Lindsay takes part in many areas of home life. She joins residents on outings, supports Pride Month programs and helps with summer BBQs and special events. When residents need help to and from onsite medical clinics, Lindsay always lends a hand.
Lindsay finds volunteering at True Davidson Acres very uplifting and rewarding. It gives her great joy to help others. She does her best to make sure residents have a good day. She often knows she has succeeded by seeing their smiles.
Lindsay is a dedicated and caring volunteer who truly shows compassion and the spirit of volunteering.
Keisha has been a volunteer at Wesburn Manor since 2021. She visits weekly and spends time with residents on the third floor. Keisha brings enthusiasm and positivity to every volunteer role she takes on. She lives with a developmental disability, but this does not limit her ability to succeed or make a difference. Keisha is a second-generation volunteer at Wesburn Manor. Her mother, Etheline, served on the Volunteer Executive Committee. Keisha’s kindness and care shine through with every interaction. Residents, family members and staff all appreciate her joyful presence.
Keisha supports many activities at the home. These include indoor gardening, helping with special events, leading bingo and concentration games, supporting music and dance programs and assisting with craft activities. Her dedication and commitment are clear in everything she does. Keisha is Wesburn Manor’s volunteer shining star!
The Divisional Award is presented to a volunteer who provides volunteer service division-wide through an organized arrangement with multiple locations, in this case, as a member of the Toronto Inter-Home Advisory Committee.
Murray has volunteered at Wesburn Manor since 2015. He began helping with events, music and arts programs and visits with residents. Over time, he became more involved and took on leadership roles.
Today, Murray serves as President and Treasurer of the Volunteer Executive Committee and as Chairperson on Home Advisory Committee. Murray also represents Wesburn Manor on the Toronto Inter-Home Advisory Committee. Murray mentors volunteers, helping them succeed and enhance residents’ quality of life.
Murray is actively involved in daily life at the home. He helps with resident social events and visits residents who feel isolated. He is always sharing new ideas to improve volunteer programs and resident experiences.
Murray led the creation of vendor and supplier lists for the Tuck Shop and volunteer reporting tools. He also helped set up donation supports for resident programs. Murray’s approach to volunteering aligns with SSLTC’s mission to “support Toronto seniors and people in long-term care to have the healthiest, most fulfilling lives possible through exceptional care and services.”
Named in honour of the late and renowned advocate for seniors, the Mary Ellen Glover Award recognizes a resident who volunteers to support other residents and advocates on their behalf.
Cecilia has called Seven Oaks home since August 2022. As a resident volunteer, she helps others, despite her own health challenges. She serves as Vice President of the Residents’ Council and speaks up for other residents. She also represents residents on the Site Quality Improvement Committee. Cecilia helps recreation staff with activities, bingo and supports the Volunteer Association.
During the warmer months, Cecilia enjoys tending the garden at Seven Oaks. As part of a project she led, residents grew vegetables in raised planter beds. At the end of the growing season, they held a produce sale raising funds to support resident programs. Cecilia also cares for many indoor plants and has organized two plant sales in partnership with the Volunteer Executive. Cecilia’s dedication to her home and support for fellow residents is inspiring.