Caring for the community – Occupational Therapy teams pitch in!

The holiday season is replete with traditions – at home and at the office.  The Occupational Therapy Department at the MUHC has marked the occasion by renewing a goodwill practice. “The staff, through the leadership of Clinical Coordinator, Kendra Berry and the assistance of Administrative Agent, Maria Cunzo revived a tradition, which was to give back during this month,” says manager Kashif Baig. 

OT Department spearheads winter clothing drive 

A winter clothing drive was held throughout November to collect winter outerwear for MUHC patients in need.  “The entire OT department was on board, with the help of OT Clinical Coordinators, Melinda Krug and Daanish Mansoory,” says Kashif. 

The donation boxes at the Glen (Royal Victoria Hospital), Montreal General Hospital, The Neuro and Allan Memorial quickly filled up. In all, 25 adult winter jackets, 15 hats, 5 pairs of boots, 3 pairs of snow pants and 3 sets of gloves were collected. Amazingly, enough children’s winter wear was donated to fill six full boxes! “The clothing will be distributed though MUHC Social Services. Any excess clothing will go to the Welcome Collective, an organization that supports newcomers to the province including refugees and asylum seekers,” notes Kashif. 

A busy fall for occupational therapists 

The collection drive completed a busy fall for the OT Department. To highlight Occupational Therapy Month in October, the team participated in a conference, “Moving OT forward: Addressing issues of attrition and retention in OT”, with keynote speaker Suzanne Yee Lin Mak. Opening remarks by MUHC Associate President and Executive Director Martine Alfonso, as well as Colleen Timm, Director of Multidisciplinary Services, adult sites celebrated the long history of the department. “The team’s contribution to the mission of the hospital was recognized," says Kashif. 

He is overjoyed by the collaboration and generosity witnessed over the last few weeks. “There are already plans to beat the (campaign) target next year,” he says. “Congratulations to my team!”

Left to right
Kashif Baig – Manager|Occupational Therapy
Kendra Berry – Occupational Therapist|Clinical Coordinator RVH/MNH
Maria Cunzo – Administrative Agent
Aviva Tenenbaum – Manager|Social Services
Not in picture
Melinda Krug – Occupational Therapist|Clinical Coordinator MGH
Daanish Mansoory – Occupational Therapist|Clinical Coordinator Mental Health