Volunteer Awards 2024/25
Celebrating Our Volunteers: A Heartfelt Gathering at Hospice House
Annie Rogers
One of the greatest highlights of our community work this past year has been the opportunity to recognize and celebrate our valued volunteers. On Thursday, September 18th, the warmth and spirit of our compassionate coastal community came alive at Hospice House, where we held a special gathering in honour of the incredible individuals who make our mission possible.
This annual celebration brought together volunteers from across different training cohorts, offering the chance to reconnect with old friends, share heartfelt stories, and develop new bonds over a delicious meal lovingly prepared by one of our very own, Annie Rogers.
Laughter and stories echoed throughout the space as we reflected on the remarkable impact made over the past year. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, Coast Hospice volunteers contributed an astounding 8,000 hours to our clients, programs, and services. At an estimated value of $20 per hour, their time represents a contribution of over $160,000—a priceless gift of compassion and care to our coastal community.
We’re proud to say that more than 90 volunteers are part of this life-changing work, helping to bring comfort, dignity, and connection to all those we serve.
Honouring Excellence: Volunteer Awards
As part of the evening, we also took time to celebrate some very special individuals through our annual volunteer awards: the Roey Award and the Heart of Hospice Award. These awards reflect the spirit, commitment, and heart that our volunteers bring to Coast Hospice every single day.
Roey Award: Diane Head
We are thrilled to present the Roey Award to Diane Head for her outstanding commitment and leadership in supporting those in grief. This award is given to someone who demonstrates a compassionate presence, steadfast leadership skills and a commitment to service and grace. Diane has played a pivotal role in expanding our grief support programs at Coast Hospice. She has not only led these vital groups but has also mentored many new volunteers into the role of Grief Group Leader. Congratulations, Diane! Your dedication has made an immeasurable impact on our community. Thank you for all that you do to support Coast Hospice and our community.
Heart of Hospice Award: A Team of Five
This year, the Heart of Hospice Award was presented to five volunteers for their outstanding support of a man at the end of his life. This group provided service with all their heart, offering countless hours of their time, wisdom, leadership, and presence. They embody the essence of hospice care: compassionate support for clients, deep respect for dignity at the end of life, and unwavering encouragement for fellow volunteers. Their collective effort has strengthened our organization's capacity and reminded us of the profound impact of shared care.
Jeanne Sommerfield, Gail Stewart and Donna Shugar
(left to right in photo)
Milestone Volunteer Recognition
We also had the pleasure of honouring several long-time volunteers whose years of dedicated service have helped shape and sustain Hospice on the Sunshine Coast.
10 Years of Service: Jeanne Sommerfield, Gail Stewart and Donna Shugar.
15 Years of Service: Sharon Halford.
Ladies, thank you for your ongoing commitment, heart, and generosity. Your long-standing support has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many coast residents.
To all Coast Hospice volunteers: thank you. Your dedication, compassion, and service are the heartbeat of our society! We are honoured to walk this journey alongside you, and we look forward to another year of healing, hope, and community.