Become a Volunteer

But in 2015, I truly understood all the good when my neighbor and friend spent her final two weeks at La Maison. I saw her almost daily and slept at La Maison a few times. I loved the place!

One morning when I woke up, a volunteer offered me a coffee. I was surprised and told him I was not the patient… when he brought me my coffee, he told me that this way, I could spend more time with my friend. At this moment, I understood that the volunteer’s role allowed patients to receive more care. I told myself, «That’s what I want to do in life!” Then, I signed up to volunteer and hopefully make a difference.It is always with enthusiasm that I visit people at La Maison. I like to make them comfortable, to give them beautiful moments of happiness and peace. La Maison de la Sérénité volunteers provide quality time that complements the nursing staff’s care.

This Maison’s gentleness, peace, serenity, and mutual support are remarkable. It is gratifying to feel we are making life easier for patients and their loved ones at this time of transition. I am a loyal ambassador of the place because I see all the well-being that La Maison de la Sérénité provides to its patients, and the care provided is well adapted to the patient’s needs and condition. All volunteers at La Maison de la Sérénité are united in a common cause: to make people comfortable in their final moments and doing so with the utmost benevolence.

Let me explain! I was at my workstation, at reception, and after my shift, I wanted to return to the room occupied by Réjean, my husband, who died on August 9, 2021. The room was vacant. After getting permission, I went in and confided in him.

I still don’t know why I went to his room that day, as I hadn’t been there since he passed away, but he guided me, and that brought me full circle. The next day, I returned to volunteer at La Maison and met and talked with the patient’s family, who had been admitted during the day to the room Réjean had occupied. It was an emotional moment, as the room was vacant, and a family was there the next day. But I had the opportunity to take the time to experience essential feelings. Supporting La Maison allows us to experience a range of emotions in a serene environment, surrounded by people who can help us grieve. All the care staff and volunteers were by my side through the most challenging times and still are now. True angels for me. Special thanks to Carole and Martine. La Maison de la Sérénité is the place where I lost the love of my life, and now it’s this same Maison that gives it meaning.

I’ve spent my life performing: sports, studies, career. All these activities, which allowed me to realize my potential, had one thing in common: they were centered on me. With volunteering, I’m focused on others! I didn’t learn until much later in my life that the well-being we’re looking for is to be found when we devote ourselves to others, especially those who have become vulnerable through illness. Indeed, what could be more beautiful than helping one’s fellow man, through small gestures, to enjoy a slightly more peaceful end to life? The altruistic love, compassion and kindness I show these people contribute to my happiness. That’s why I give my time to La Maison de la Sérénité as a care volunteer with the attendants.