A Legacy of Giving Back: How Veteran Volunteer Shirley Hill Has Dedicated Decades to Burnaby Hospital

If you have spent any time at Burnaby Hospital, surely you have crossed paths with kind-hearted and welcoming, Shirley Hill. Shirley is what is commonly referred to as a Veteran Volunteer at Burnaby Hospital, having dedicated over two decades (and counting) of her time to the hospital.

Having spent her entire life in Burnaby, the beloved community hospital has been home to many monumental moments for Hill. Her four children were born at the hospital and most of her families’ hospital experiences have taken place at Burnaby Hospital.  

“My husband stayed in the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit for the last four months of his life and was treated very kindly, specifically by a care aid named Margo.”

When asked what personal impact volunteering has played in her life, Hill joyfully said, “It has given me a greater understanding of people and greater confidence in myself.”

On February 12, 2022, Hill is set to be honoured at the Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs home game, allowing much deserved recognition and appreciation for her volunteer efforts within the community. Hill will be attending the game with her son, Ryan.  “I am most excited about seeing a live game at Rogers Arena,” says Hill.

In addition to her years of dedication to Burnaby Hospital, Hill has devoted nearly half her life to various organizations, such as the Canadian Blood Donor Clinic on Oak St. (15 years), the Canadian Red Cross Medical Equipment Loan Service (10 years), the Canadian Cancer Society Support Group, along with visiting and/or phoning breast cancer patients (12 years), Whitecaps Soccer Team playing at Swangard (10 years) and Girl Guides of Canada (Life Member). When not volunteering, Hill enjoys staying active, by virtue of walking or group activities with senior women at Central Park.

Volunteers at Burnaby Hospital make a monumental impact in not only patient’s lives, but also staff, and the teams quickly become family. To learn more about how you can get involved with volunteering and give back to your community hospital, visit here.