Maria Carinha’s Legacy of Giving Back to Burnaby Hospital
Maria Carinha is a proud Burnaby Hospital volunteer and loyal Foundation donor, actively demonstrating her compassion and dedication to the community.
Maria’s affiliation to Burnaby Hospital first began in 1990 when her mother received palliative care here before passing away. This experience marked the start of a now decades long connection to the hospital and it has become a fundamental part of her family’s life. From the passing of her mother and other loved ones to the birth of four of her beloved grandchildren, Burnaby Hospital has been there when she has needed it most.
For Maria, the hospital became not just a place of care, but a second home. “Burnaby Hospital is like a big family,” she says. One moment that stands out for her is the night her mother passed. The nurse who cared for her mother stayed with Maria until midnight, ensuring that she was never alone in those final moments. “She (the nurse) had her own family to go home to, but she stayed with me until the end,” Maria reflects. “I will never forget that.”
Maria has been a way finder volunteer within the hospital for 15 years. She doesn’t just point people in the right direction, she walks with them, personally guiding them to the departments they are looking for and sharing information about the hospital to help bring familiarity and comfort. Whether it’s assisting patients with accessibility needs at the entrances or ensuring that both patients and visitors leave with a smile, Maria goes out of her way to make people feel cared for. “I make them laugh, help them forget their worries, and make sure they leave happy,” she explains. Her daughter, inspired by Maria, has become a volunteer in the maternity department and Maria couldn’t be prouder. “It’s a legacy,” she says, smiling at the thought of her family continuing the cycle of giving back.
She also deeply resonates with the Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s mission of providing a brighter future in healthcare for the community. She sews and sells tote bags, donating the proceeds of her orders to support the hospital. After her husband’s passing, she requested donations in his honour, raising over $2,000. Now, giving has become a family tradition—alongside her granddaughter, Maria recently contributed $1,000 to the hospital’s redevelopment. She often tells her children and grandchildren that Burnaby Hospital is part of their inheritance, a place they may need someday.
Maria is a testament to the power of community generosity. She gives back in ways that are meaningful to her, contributing both financially and by generously donating her time. It’s not always about grand gestures, it’s the small, consistent acts of kindness that make the most difference.
