‘A little bit of brightness’ during tough times

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This article was published 06/04/2020 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Mount Carmel Clinic needed extra volunteers during the pandemic, it wasn’t long before it had a full roster.

In recent weeks, the downtown clinic, which provides a wide range of health services, has become a screening site for COVID-19.

The clinic recruited volunteers to act as greeters and helpers to support staff members in making the clinic a warm and welcoming environment.

Fenil Vekaria is one of those volunteers.

The 19-year-old, who studies microbiology at the University of Manitoba, started looking for pandemic-related volunteer opportunities as soon as COVID-19 reached Winnipeg.

“I wanted to help the health care workers in any way possible,” says Vekaria, who plans to become a family doctor.

During a typical four-hour shift at the clinic, Vekaria welcomes people, gives them hand sanitizer, reminds them to practise social distancing and guides them to where they need to go.

Although he’s been involved at the clinic for only two weeks, the experience has already made an impression on him.

“Every day is a memorable day at Mount Carmel Clinic,” Vekaria says. “It’s amazing how everyone (on staff) is a family to each other and to the members of the community.”

Sherri Derksen started volunteering at the clinic around the same time as Vekaria.

The 46-year-old, who is finishing a degree in social work at the U of M, describes herself as an extrovert who enjoys talking to people and giving back.

“I just try to bring a little bit of brightness into this dark situation we’ve found ourselves in,” she says. “It’s healing for me and I hope it’s helpful for other people.”

Both Vekaria and Derksen have previous volunteer experience.

When he isn’t studying or working part time as a pharmacy technician, Vekaria volunteers with St. John Ambulance. He is also involved with Inclusion Winnipeg and the Canadian Cancer Society.

“I would attribute all of my interest in volunteering to my parents,” says Vekaria, who was born and raised in Surat, India. “They have always instilled in me the value that nothing makes you feel better than giving back to the community.”

Derksen started volunteering eight years ago as part of her recovery from substance abuse. She has chaired meetings for people in recovery and volunteered at treatment centres.

She’s also helped out at places like the Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba and Siloam Mission.

While she has felt a variety of emotions as a result of the pandemic, including fear and uncertainty, it’s been good to contribute at the clinic.

“In the recovery movement, a big model that we learn to work with is living one day at a time,” Derksen says. “That’s how I choose to move forward in this (pandemic). That’s all I can do.”

The people who have stepped in to volunteer as greeters are filling a unique and challenging role, says Claire Friesen, community engagement co-ordinator at Mount Carmel Clinic.

“I can only imagine how scary it is for people who are symptomatic, who believe that they might have the virus,” Friesen says. “Our volunteers help make them less anxious. They’re that friendly face that talks them through sanitizing their hands and waiting in line in a safe way.”

Having new volunteers get involved at the clinic has been amazing, she adds. “It’s been a real joy to get to work with so many generous people,” Friesen says.

“They bring so much to the work we’re doing right now.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.