Kensington Volunteer Council

The Kensington Volunteer Council (left to right): Mansur Naeem, Mireille de Réland, Becky Mai, Elinor Keshet, Cheryl Hart, Janice Carbert, Andrea Taylor (November 2019). 

The link between volunteers and leadership

The Kensington Volunteer Council is an integrative link between the volunteers of Kensington Health and Kensington leadership team and staff.  It aims to provide timely, constructive feedback from a volunteer perspective to Kensington Health. Our Council will focus on: 

• Advising leadership on the volunteer perspective and experience at Kensington
• Suggesting creative and meaningful ways to engage volunteers as members of the Kensington team
• Reviewing policies, procedures, and initiatives regarding the volunteer experience, such as recruitment, orientation, training, supervision, support, recognition and retention
• Providing feedback to help plan, create and enhance Kensington programs and services, through participation on committees, focus groups, and other partnerships, as needed
• Helping promote and provide education regarding volunteering, such as recruitment events and volunteer training, when requested
• Staying up-to-date on safety and wellness matters that are relevant to volunteers

If you would like to contact the Volunteer Council with questions or specific feedback related to your volunteer experience, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at volunteercouncil@kensingtonhealth.org

Meet our members

Mireille de Réland, Co-Chair: Since I started volunteering at Kensington Health in 2018, I've connected with the Second Mile community by supporting various programs and providing mindfulness complementary therapy to caregivers, the ageing and palliative clients. More recently, I've been assisting with the launch of the new Community Day Hospice. After seeing the benefits that social programs have had on family and friends with chronic and terminal illnesses, I am passionate about supporting programs that improve the general well-being of Kensington clients. I look forward to learning from the volunteer community, and meeting more of you over the coming year!

Becky Mai, Co-Chair: Hi, I'm Becky! I've been a Resident Care and Kitchen Volunteer at Kensington Hospice since 2018. Outside of Kensington, I balance post-secondary studies with a few other work and volunteer commitments. I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences, insights, and wisdom the Kensington community has shared with me, and I plan to continue volunteering for as long as I can. Feel free to speak to me about anything! I look forward to working alongside everyone to enhance the volunteer experience.

Andrea Taylor, Member: I’ve been a volunteer at Kensington Hospice since January 2017 in all three roles of reception, kitchen and resident care. Volunteering at the Hospice has been an incredibly enriching and life-affirming experience for me, and I hope that the work of the Volunteer Council will help to support all of our volunteers in the important work that they do!

Cheryl Hart, Member: I've been volunteering at Kensington Hospice since 2015, as a resident care, reception volunteer and support at various events. During some family experiences with death and dying, I saw the profound benefit to the palliative process.  After the mother of my neighbour spoke so highly of his care at Kensington Hospice, I decided to apply to volunteer there. My time at the hospice and with its volunteer community have become a valued part of my life and I look forward to this opportunity to support you through the Volunteer Council.

Elinor Keshet, Member: I've been a resident care volunteer with Kensington Hospice for 2.5 years and can’t see myself stopping anytime soon. I am constantly in awe of the incredible culture, energy, and community at Kensington Health, so I’m thrilled to be a part of the Kensington Volunteer Committee. In my day job, I use Design Thinking tools to build business, strategies, and experiences. When I'm not working, you can find me making wobbly bowls on the pottery wheel or scouring flea markets for taxidermy.

Janice Carbert, Member: I've been a volunteer with the Second Mile Club for over ten years, in the capacity as a Friendly Visitor to seniors living in their own homes. Over that period, I've had the privilege of working with five clients, from whom I’ve learned much about the challenges faced by seniors on their own. I'm excited to have the opportunity to connect with and support the many dedicated Kensington volunteers as a member of the Volunteer Council.

Mansur Naeem, Member: I have been a Resident and Family Care Volunteer at Kensington Hospice since 2017. As a member of the Volunteer Council, I hope to represent volunteers’ interest and serve their needs. I am approachable and fun, so please feel free to email or give me feedback in person. I look forward to hearing all of your great suggestions.