‘Grand-Mama Anne’ volunteers at the Montreal Children’s Hospital
Anne Gagnon didn’t start volunteering until retirement, but she quickly found it to be a perfect fit. Originally from Quebec City, Anne studied in Arizona on a scholarship before returning to Montreal. She worked in communications for Bombardier, Cirque du Soleil and La Presse over the course of her career, and now in retirement, she volunteers at the Montreal Children’s Hospital twice a week in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and other units. She is a grandmother in her personal life, and amazingly, she is also considered a ‘Grand-Mama’ in her volunteer life!
What’s something people might not know about volunteers at the Children’s?
Some ladies who volunteer, like me, are referred to as the ‘Grand-Mamas’ of the hospital. Sometimes, people affectionately call me Grand-Mama Anne!
How do you support families in the PICU?
Volunteers are a 'pause button' for parents and staff, who work constantly. To bear witness of staff’s efforts is very touching and remarkable. Volunteers offer families and staff a chance to take a break, go for a walk, or grab a coffee. While people recharge, or tend to other responsibilities, we watch the little one.
Often, parents need someone to talk to. While I’m not a psychologist, I am a pair of ears. When I hold the baby in my arms, the baby rests well. I also love staying in the room with parents when they ask, offering my presence. On quieter days, I clean toys and help the staff in any way that I can.
How has volunteering in this environment opened your mind or your heart?
It has opened my heart in many ways. What comes to mind are the different cultures I’ve learned about. This hospital is culturally extraordinary! We welcome families from all regions of Quebec including many families from the North. They speak to me about the importance of community. There are many different religions represented here, and it feels wonderful to learn from people’s life stories.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your volunteer work?
In this age of technology, we’re losing the value of human connection. People are increasingly disconnected from one another. Being present with someone, looking them in the eye and sensing their emotions—that’s what builds trust. Trust isn’t built through a screen. It’s built by being there in person, with someone.
Volunteer work is some of the best human contact you can get. There’s a precious exchange happening between you and the people you’re helping. They need your assistance, and in return, those same people bring so much fulfillment to your life.
Tell me about your fellow volunteers.
There's a camaraderie between us and a feeling of friendship, especially when we pass each other in the hallway or when we're together at meetings. All volunteers deserve recognition for the gentleness, love and laughter they bring. At the Children's, volunteers find it precious to work with babies and children, who are pure of heart.
Is it hard to volunteer at the hospital?
For me, it’s not hard at all, and I would say, you become a natural over time. That said, every person finds their right fit. Volunteering is not always about being near suffering, and that’s okay. You don’t have to work directly with patients if that’s not where you feel comfortable.
There are so many ways to help—at the Children’s, for instance, many people volunteer by reading to children, playing games with them, or supporting staff behind the scenes. They’re not necessarily in the PICU, but in other units.
The key is to find where you can make a difference while being true to yourself. If volunteer work interests you, no matter your age, I encourage you to apply. You will find a call that fulfils your life, as I have found!
Thursday, December 5 is International Volunteers Day. The MUHC is grateful for each and every volunteer who help our staff, patients and families during their time of need.
