Meet Volunteers Don and Ron
We often recognise volunteers trekking through the hallways of our hospitals, but there are volunteers who are also working in specific clinics. They are crucial to the success of any clinic, creating a welcoming and organised environment. They keep chaos at bay. Meet Don Lortie and Ron Gasco, two exceptional volunteers who are making a huge contribution by working in some of the busiest clinics at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
Don Lortie volunteers at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) Test Centre, known to be busy around the clock. The RVH Test Centre is where patients receive and drop-off blood work and urine tests. This is also where pregnant women go for their tests. Don’s role has been described by staff as invaluable; he is helpful to staff, he is compassionate towards patients, and he is a leader in the waiting room. Don calls out numbers as they change on-screen; oftentimes, patients get distracted by their thoughts, their symptoms, or by their phones. He will go the extra mile to keep appointments running efficiently.
“I’m always looking out for patients who don’t look well,” he confides. “This is especially true for the future mommies in the room. I know that they can feel weak after getting blood drawn. If I think someone might need extra medical attention, I’ll let a nurse know. I also hold hands with people who are scared of needles, and give them Smarties chocolates afterwards.”
Don has developed a good sense of what is helpful—the actions that can put a patient’s worries to rest. He is known for his calming presence and his organizational skills.
In fact, manager of Volunteer Services Erin Kennedy shares about Don: “Staff have admitted to me, ‘When I see Don walk into the room, I heave a sigh of relief!’ He is really appreciated.”
Over at the MGH, we meet Ron
Ron Gasco says that he is volunteering at the perfect place for him: the Orthopedic clinic at the Montreal General Hospital (MGH), where patients with musculoskeletal issues are seen. Ron feels a personal connection:
“I myself have been a patient here. I have sat in the waiting room eager to speak to my own doctor,” he shares. “I’ve been operated on successfully many times, and I am happy to give back my time. I believe that the doctors in Orthopedics are the greatest around.”
Ron is able to resonate with patients and understand what they’re going through. He accompanies them to X-ray and MRI. He offers perspective to those who can use an encouraging word. He diffuses people from anger. His qualities haven’t gone unnoticed: he was asked to take on an extra shift, so he volunteers also in the MGH Day Surgery clinic!
“Ron is a very dedicated and motivated volunteer,” says Gary Nuttall, Recreational Therapist who works closely with volunteers at the MGH and the Neuro. “He is kind and patient with the outpatients he encounters and takes the time to greet and assist them in a warm, friendly manner. He thoroughly enjoys helping others and is appreciated by the staff he works with as well.”
Young volunteers, and future volunteers
Don (RVH Test Centre) recounts sentimentally that volunteering has been part of his life since the old Royal Victoria days: “I was one of the first volunteers at the Glen, giving tours to physicians and serving them boxed lunches. I did that with my wife. I volunteer also with the MUHC Foundation. Volunteering has been in my life for 14 years now, and it continues to give way to friendship and meaningful days.”
Ron (MGH Ortho and Day Surgery) advises young volunteers: “Be honest, be loyal, and go the extra mile. It’s about your kindness.” He encourages new volunteers to embrace the journey ahead: “Volunteering is a life experience. Learn to be friendly with everyone.”
It’s Volunteer Week 2025! The MUHC is proud to honour all of our amazing volunteers who make a difference each day, right where they are.