By Martina Buehler, Communications Volunteer
Eight years ago, Janis Mack retired from her 42-year career as a pharmacist and began volunteering with the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. HELP provides community healthcare equipment loan services in 75 locations across B.C. and Yukon to people recovering from illness or injury or wanting to spend their final days at home.
“When I retired, I wanted something to keep me busy because I have always been a workaholic,” Janis says about why she joined the Red Cross as a volunteer. Janis loves being busy, organizing things and “have them march along correctly.”
Volunteering at the Port Coquitlam HELP depot three days a week, Janis has put those organization skills to use as the team lead for the depot since March 2020. The tasks vary and range from administrative duties to demonstrating the safe use of health equipment to clients and caregivers. Janis likes this flexibility and that she can do many volunteer tasks at home. The HELP depot is just a short walking distance away from her home and Janis loves that she volunteers right in her own community.
“The nice thing about the HELP Program is that it gives you the opportunity to get involved as much as you want.”
When asked what she likes most about volunteering for the Red Cross, Janis explains:
“It is very gratifying because the clients are so appreciative. As the team leader, the thing that brings me the most satisfaction is running a pleasant, efficient, and organized office. If I provide the other volunteers with the required information, supplies, and skills, they can serve the clients in a friendly and timely manner. They can do their weekly shift without worries and know that when they return all will be in order. That is very important to me. I am happy to work in the background and do not require any validation for I know that I have done a good job.”
Recently, Janis’ team of three had a total of 51 pieces of equipment returned during their 3-hour shift at the Port Coquitlam HELP depot – while loaning out equipment at the same time! The need for healthcare equipment continues to increase – even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Janis also likes to prepare reference documents for student volunteers applying for higher education such as medical school and large scholarships, “It feels great to know that in a small way I am helping a promising generation move forward,” Janis tells.
Volunteering with the help program comes with full training (and no experience necessary). Janis’ main advice for new volunteers is to be patient and compassionate.
“The Canadian Red Cross HELP program provides a wide canvas for learning depending on how involved one wishes to be. Begin by learning the basics, ask many questions and dig deeper as you progress. Our program can keep you busy.”
Janis’ incredible commitment to the HELP team was recognized in March 2021 when she received a second Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Red Cross.
There are many volunteer opportunities available - for more information visit redcross.ca/volunteer.
Eight years ago, Janis Mack retired from her 42-year career as a pharmacist and began volunteering with the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. HELP provides community healthcare equipment loan services in 75 locations across B.C. and Yukon to people recovering from illness or injury or wanting to spend their final days at home.
“When I retired, I wanted something to keep me busy because I have always been a workaholic,” Janis says about why she joined the Red Cross as a volunteer. Janis loves being busy, organizing things and “have them march along correctly.”
Volunteering at the Port Coquitlam HELP depot three days a week, Janis has put those organization skills to use as the team lead for the depot since March 2020. The tasks vary and range from administrative duties to demonstrating the safe use of health equipment to clients and caregivers. Janis likes this flexibility and that she can do many volunteer tasks at home. The HELP depot is just a short walking distance away from her home and Janis loves that she volunteers right in her own community.
“The nice thing about the HELP Program is that it gives you the opportunity to get involved as much as you want.”
When asked what she likes most about volunteering for the Red Cross, Janis explains:
“It is very gratifying because the clients are so appreciative. As the team leader, the thing that brings me the most satisfaction is running a pleasant, efficient, and organized office. If I provide the other volunteers with the required information, supplies, and skills, they can serve the clients in a friendly and timely manner. They can do their weekly shift without worries and know that when they return all will be in order. That is very important to me. I am happy to work in the background and do not require any validation for I know that I have done a good job.”
Recently, Janis’ team of three had a total of 51 pieces of equipment returned during their 3-hour shift at the Port Coquitlam HELP depot – while loaning out equipment at the same time! The need for healthcare equipment continues to increase – even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Janis also likes to prepare reference documents for student volunteers applying for higher education such as medical school and large scholarships, “It feels great to know that in a small way I am helping a promising generation move forward,” Janis tells.
Volunteering with the help program comes with full training (and no experience necessary). Janis’ main advice for new volunteers is to be patient and compassionate.
“The Canadian Red Cross HELP program provides a wide canvas for learning depending on how involved one wishes to be. Begin by learning the basics, ask many questions and dig deeper as you progress. Our program can keep you busy.”
Janis’ incredible commitment to the HELP team was recognized in March 2021 when she received a second Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Red Cross.
There are many volunteer opportunities available - for more information visit redcross.ca/volunteer.
