The Chatham-Kent Hospice recently announced its 2021 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism winner – Louise Stalleart.
“Louise’s genuine and warm way of engaging with residents brings joy and healing while helping them contemplate their lives in a meaningful way. She has always been flexible and generous with her time, providing comfort care and companionship to residents when they are in need of extra support,” Melanie Watson hospice volunteer co-ordinator, said in a media release.
Stalleart has also helped develop materials and policies for the “Living Memory” program, which allows residents to reminisce about their lives, and record memories to share with loved ones. She takes care to create a comfortable and trusting atmosphere for the residents’ storytelling, resulting in their individualized “book”, complete with title page, written in the residents’ own words. Residents and families have been very appreciative of the gift that Stalleart has created – a special gift of remembrance.
“I volunteer because I like to be of service and provide comfort through conversation. I genuinely like people and I enjoy listening to any stories they may wish to share,” Stalleart said.
The June Callwood Award was established in 1994 to acknowledge and thank outstanding hospice volunteers throughout Ontario. The award was named in honour of the late June Callwood who was a long-time advocate of hospice, community activist, author and recipient of the Order of Canada.
