Longtime Afton Park volunteer receives OLTCA Circle of Excellence award

Baron Blais says volunteering is an important part of his life
5/24/2017  - Deron Hamel
Pictured above: Afton Park Place volunteer Baron Blais and his therapy dog, Jasper.  

A longtime Afton Park Place volunteer was recently honoured for his dedication to the Sarnia long-term care home’s residents with an accolade from the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA).

Baron Blais and his therapy dog, Jasper, have been regular volunteers at Afton Park Place for several years. Baron has been a dedicated volunteer in the community for the past 15 years, so it’s fitting that Afton Park Place nominated him for an OLTCA Circle of Excellence award.

Every Thursday, Baron and Jasper, a shar-pei-German-shepherd cross, visit residents, spending one-to-one time with people as well as participating in activities. What keeps Baron and Jasper coming back is that they’re treated “like family,” says Baron, adding that volunteering is an important part of his life.

“Before I leave this Earth I want to be able to contribute something, and that’s why I believe everybody should volunteer,” he says.

“Afton Park Place is really great to us volunteers. They can’t do enough for us, they’re always asking us if there is anything we need, they have always emphasized about how much they appreciate the staff, and the staff is just like family. I’ve never seen a group of people who are so close.”

Aside from volunteering being important, it’s also something Baron enjoys.

“I enjoy doing what I am doing. I enjoy the residents. I enjoy the staff,” he says.

Baron says for many residents, spending time with Jasper is “a highlight of their day.” Jasper is gentle and has a “natural” way with the residents, he adds. 

The OLTCA’s Circle of Excellence honour the contributions of those who volunteer their time in the organization’s more than 400 long-term care homes.

OLTCA member homes are invited every year to nominate one volunteer from their home for a Circle of Excellence certificate.

April 23-29 was National Volunteer Week 2017. The week was marked by events nationwide that celebrate volunteers and all they do to enrich the lives of others. This year marks the 76th National Volunteer Week.

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