Dedicated Lachine Hospital volunteer bringing smiles to patients for over 40 years

Evelyne Couillard and Marie-Claire Ferrera, right, who also volunteers at La Cafetière.

Evelyne Couillard has been volunteering at the Lachine Hospital since 1971.  With a smile that never quits, she keeps busy running the little coffee shop, La Cafetière.   In addition to managing the inventory and scheduling, Couillard also works two half-days at the shop, which receives help from 14 other volunteers—a close-knit group that likes to swap stories and interact with the customers.  The shop is open seven days a week and donates all proceeds to the Lachine Hospital Foundation to improve patient and family care.  

 This dedicated 72-year-old great-grandmother also helps out with Pastoral Services by comforting many Lachine patients with her caring gestures. During her 42 years as a volunteer at the hospital, she has offered her time in many ways, such as accompanying patients after cataract surgery, playing a friendly game of cards or reading to younger patients.

Madeleine Chantelois, president of the volunteers' Auxiliary at Lachine Hospital, describes Couillard as a very dedicated volunteer.  “She has a beautiful smile, even through difficult times,” says Chantelois, referring to Couillard’s heart surgery earlier this year under the excellent care of Dr. Sunil Garg, cardiologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital, and his team.  When the doctor suggested that perhaps she should stay home and rest more, Couillard wouldn’t hear of it— she was anxious to get back to volunteering. “J’aime bien ça! If I didn’t enjoy it, I would stay home!”