It's National Volunteers Week 2026!

Each year, new and returned volunteers bring joy and light to our hospitals. To celebrate National Volunteers Week 2026 in Canada, we want you to meet three gracious MUHC volunteers: Amrita, Chelsea, and Elodie were asked to reflect on their experience, providing three keywords to describe their role. You will be amazed by these bright young ladies!

Amrita Narasiah Verma

Her three words for volunteering: Humbling, meaningful, and grounding

“My weekly two-hour shift at the Royal Victoria Hospital is a time for conversation, activities, and meal assistance with adult patients. I also volunteer at the Montreal Children’s Hospital every week and through play-based activities, I help create moments of normalcy and joy amidst the stresses of a hospital stay.

“One part of volunteering that has been especially meaningful is holding babies. The moment they are placed in my arms feels incredibly moving. Over time, if a baby has a longer stay, I begin to learn their names and their stories. I end up sharing many conversations, laughs, and sometimes tears with parents. Witnessing the strength of both patients and caregivers has been incredibly moving. I hope to return to the NICU as a volunteer next summer.”

“I am currently a second-year BSc Honours student in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University and I hope to pursue a career in family medicine. I am involved in research at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (the Institute) where I am working on a project examining disparities in HIV care among migrant populations, under the supervision of Dr. Bertrand Lebouché. Being involved in research, while volunteering in the hospital, has helped me appreciate both sides of healthcare: the research that advances medicine and the human experiences that give it purpose.

“Volunteering has shown me that a meaningful part of care isn’t necessarily a treatment, or a diagnosis. It’s simply being present with someone. A short conversation or a shared laugh can remind a patient that they are not alone, and those small moments of connection matter more than we realize.”

Chelsea

Her three words for volunteering: Nostalgic, rewarding and meaningful

“Hospitals have always felt familiar to me because, growing up, I spent a lot of time there with family members. Even though I was young at the time, those moments stayed with me and made me appreciate the kindness of people working in hospitals. About six years ago, I moved to Canada and volunteering at the hospital became a way for me to reconnect with those memories.

“I volunteer at least once a week, helping with the coffee cart mostly. I offer snacks and drinks to patients. Seeing someone smile, or when a patient says ‘thank you’ to me, is meaningful. It reminds me that small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.”

“I’m also working part-time at an arcade, where I’m surrounded by children. Volunteering at the hospital is quite different since I interact with more mature patients. Being in both places has given me an interesting perspective on the different stages of life, but I have noticed that genuine laughs sound the same to me no matter the age. And it fills my heart with so much joy.

“Outside of volunteering, I enjoy studying and learning new things. Volunteering means a lot to me because it gives me an opportunity to give back in a place that once meant so much to my family. It reminds me that sometimes, the smallest gestures like a smile, a conversation, or a warm drink can make someone feel less alone.” 

Elodie Sepde Mbwanzuh Tompene

Her three words for volunteering: Humbling, inspiring, and meaningful

“I volunteer once a week at the Montreal General Hospital, guiding visitors to patient rooms and making sure the room is ready for a visitor. At times, there are rounds, check-ups or cleaning going on, and so I check with the nurse before bringing a visitor. My role is to guide visitors who may feel lost as they make their way around. Sometimes, I hold a little conversation with that person because I see that they need someone who can listen. 

“I recognize many visitors now, and they too recognize me! I don’t even need to check who they are; I know which patient the visitor is there for.”

“I am a student studying Health Sciences and soon finishing. I have a job, and in my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Volunteering at the MUHC is the most amazing experience ever. There is magic in helping people and being in this environment. If I had to choose it all over again, I would choose it without a single doubt.” 

Click here if you are interested in volunteering.