Charlie Slade has put in more than 1,700 volunteer hours at Riverview Gardens, and his dedication earned him an award recently.
Slade received the Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism.
Janice Ward, co-chair of Riverview Gardens Family Council, said Slade is very deserving of the honour.
“Charlie started volunteering because he saw a need and knew it was one that he could fulfill. He knew that it was his calling to bring a little joy and comfort to the residents of Riverview Gardens,” she said in a media release.
Slade said he doesn’t volunteer for recognition, but as a friend of the late Lachapelle, he is honoured.
“I don’t volunteer to receive awards, but I knew Norm personally for many years, so I am honoured to receive an award that’s dedicated to him” Slade said.
Slade lets his effort do the talking.
“To date, Charlie has over 1,700 volunteer service hours and counting. He visits on behalf of The Salvation Army, while also being on the Spiritual Care Committee. He porters residents to and from the hair salon and assists with bingos and big events. He does one-on-one visits and assists with the Resident Satisfaction Survey. He has even been known to deliver the newsletters periodically,” Ward said. “Charlie is also a part of the end-of-life volunteer roster, where he supports residents until family arrives, or for their final moments of life. Charlie is very reliable and always available for last-minute assistance. Riverview Gardens, Family Council and Norm’s family thank Charlie for his commitment to the residents.”
With risk of isolation and depression due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers enhance resident’s quality of life. Currently, some volunteer activities include: one-to-one visiting, meal assistance, bartending, spiritual service assistance and small activity assistance.
The Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism was created in 2019 by the Riverview Gardens Family Council. The family council created this award in honour of fellow member, friend and volunteer Norm Lachapelle, who passed away suddenly in 2018. The first award recipient was Loues Duguay in 2020, followed by Deb Powers in 2021.
Individuals interested in volunteering at Riverview Gardens can find more information and apply online at www.ckriverviewgardens.ca.
