Volunteering with PCSBV
November 29, 2022 is Giving Tuesday . The celebration of Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages individuals to express generosity. Whether an individual donates money or simply smiles at someone on the sidewalk, Giving Tuesday celebrates every kind action as meaningful.
PCSBV client-care volunteers complete a robust training program of in-class and online modules. Topics covered include: Perhaps you’ve companioned a loved-one as they died. Or maybe you’ve experienced losses that evoked deep sorrow. Maybe both. This is often the road that leads our volunteers to PCSBV. People come to us with a curiosity and want to learn how to journey with those who are doing the very human work of dying and grieving.
Role of the Volunteer Companioning Grief Emotional and Psychological Supports Exploring Spirituality Physical Issues and Supports Effective Listening Family Dynamics Virtual and Phone Supports Self-care Case Studies Inter-cultural Palliative/grief Awareness Quality of Life Concerns Advocating for Clients and Families Facilitating Community Connections Promoting Active Engagement
What does Giving Tuesday mean for the palliative care community? The idea of ‘community’ is incredibly important to providing high quality palliative care to those living in the Bow Valley. For example, many dedicated volunteers are caregivers who show compassion by providing care to others. In addition, other members of the community demonstrate support for individuals coping with a life-limiting illness and their families by showing them kindness and providing practical assistance with daily tasks. This year, there are many ways individuals can support the palliative care community on Giving Tuesday. For those who are able, donations to the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley play an important role in the association’s ability to provide resources, care and other forms of support to community members coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. In addition, the Society offers many opportunities for individuals to volunteer, either in direct caregiving or a more general volunteer role. These volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that all members of the community have the tools they need to cope with the difficulty of their own or their loved one’s life-limiting illness. Finally, for those who are unable to give money or time, simple acts of compassion are a great way to participate in Giving Tuesday. Something seemingly as small as saying hello or a short note of thanks to a community member can actually be very significant in lifting an individual’s sprits and giving them the strength and support they need to cope with their fear or feelings of loss.
The training journey invites our learners to conversations that provide a safe place for exploration of one’s perspectives on dying, death, loss, sorrow, and transformation. The intent of the training is to prepare our volunteers to step into the lives of individuals who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and/or those who are grieving, to walk alongside as a support. Volunteers discover the power of presence, of navigating with their clients, and the joys and challenges of loss and grief. It is mucky, often chaotic, and wildly fulfilling work.
What Can You Give on Giving Tuesday?
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