Father and son team up to help Canuck Place families

Rick Skeats and his son Brad not only share a close family bond, but the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.  Both provide the most fundamental act of philanthropy – they give of themselves, serving as volunteers.  Rick and Brad are two of more than 350 active Canuck Place Children’s Hospice volunteers, aged 16 to 81, from all walks of life and with varied talents, skills and abilities.

The father and son team help the children and families on our program in their own unique ways.

“I was first introduced to Canuck Place after suffering a spinal cord injury back in 1997,” says Brad Skeats.  “During my recovery a neighbour encouraged me to consider volunteering at the Hospice.  I found it to be such a positive and welcoming environment that I’ve been a family and bereavement support volunteer ever since.”

Canuck Place volunteers assist in bereavement/outreach, office reception, practical areas such as kitchen and housekeeping, transportation, gardening, outdoor maintenance, the school room and library, family/peer support and special events.

“Brad let me know when Canuck Place was recruiting for the garden crew,” remarked Rick Skeats.  “I taught him all about gardening when he was little so he thought I’d be a good fit.  I’m glad he did; volunteering with my son is incredibly rewarding.”

Volunteers enrich the Hospice in many important ways. They provide companionship and support to children and families that may be missing the support systems that help them at home.

“We rely on our dedicated volunteer force to ensure our programs and services continue to be offered free of charge to the families we care for,” says Leanne Freeman, Manager, Volunteer and Support Services.  “Volunteers provide a helping hand, a listening ear and a caring heart. They are indispensable members of our interdisciplinary team.”

Thanks to Rick, Brad and all of our volunteers, for your amazing contributions to Canuck Place!

This Father's Day - send an eCard & help the kids at the same time