Leanne Freeman, Manager, Volunteer Services at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice was pleased to provide the nomination of Peer Volunteer Karen Hundal for the 2008 City of Vancouver Youth Awards.  Karen was considered to be an outstanding candidate the for the Youth award age group 19 – 24 years category. 

The hospice relies on dedicated volunteers such as Karen, to support the professional staff.  Karen has been a Canuck Place hospice volunteer since July 2004. After completion of the Peer volunteer training course taught by members of our interdisciplinary team, Karen has served to enhance the quality of life of the child and family by providing social and recreational support. Subsequently, Karen has been invited and selected to take the Pediatric Palliative Care Family Volunteer Training Course of 30 hours in September 2008.

She works directly with children and families providing spiritual, practical, emotional and social support.  Karen’s work with children and families, her dedication and commitment and her work ethic is truly exemplary. She has given close to 400 hours of service while maintaining a busy life as a student and well rounded member of the community.

In Karen’s own words- “I was always a caregiver and I loved being around children. As a young person, many organizations are hesitant to have Youth volunteer with them, but Canuck Place was more than eager to welcome me on board. I embraced this opportunity and began to flourish in my volunteer role. I aspire to be a Pediatrician and took a pro-active initiative to see how I could deal with ill children. I drive from Surrey and my Mom drove me before I had my license”.

From the beginning of Karen’s involvement with children and families, she has demonstrated a high degree of dedication. Staff have observed her participation with children, families, staff and fellow volunteers. She is caring and supportive of everyone with whom she works, positive in attitude and confident in demeanor, reliable and committed, compassionate and empathetic, intelligent and inquisitive, and eager to do whatever is necessary to enhance the quality of life of the children and families of Canuck Place. Karen is a valued member of our interdisciplinary team.

In Karen’s own words – “As a person who loves to give, it was challenging and heartbreaking to watch the children with whom I had connected with slowly slip away. I had never experienced personal loss and I found it a milestone in my life.  The innocence or naivety of my childhood slipped away with these beautiful children.  The reality of life hit hard – I grew up.”

Karen is also a member of our special Events Core Team and is an Ambassador for Canuck Place in the community.  She is always willing and available to help and is the first to jump in and offer! She is highly motivated and her integrity and moral development is without question.

Canuck Place could not offer the support that we do to the children and families on our program without volunteers like Karen offering this type of companionship.  Whether Karen spends time cuddling a critically ill baby, or distracts a young sibling with play, or enables a non-verbal Teen to communicate through special tools, she is competent, caring and very worth of recognition through this award.

In Karen’s own words – “I do aggressively pursue and participate in the volunteer roles I have with Canuck Place.  I am a community advocate and educator for a charity that I passionately believe in and support.  My position has encompassed a variety of roles, both behind the scenes (planning. listening and attending) as well as being a front line care worker with the children on the program and their siblings. Because of me, and volunteers like me, the community is learning about the importance of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.  Our passion, our words, and our experiences enhance the program, draw sponsors and attract other potential volunteers. I have made, what I am certain, shall be life-long friends.”

Karen is an outstanding young woman. Leanne Freeman had no hesitation providing this nomination to recognize her positive contribution to the Youth community in Vancouver.