When Anne Rice first saw a volunteer recruitment ad in her local newspaper more than a decade ago, she didn’t hesitate.
“The coordinator was so engaging and enthusiastic, I followed through,” she says. “Being a retired social worker just carried over into helping people at the hospital.”
Twelve years later, Rice is one of the longest-serving volunteers in Niagara Health’s Welland Cataract Department.
Rice has volunteered in Cataracts for most of her time here - and she arrives well before anyone expects her to.
“I’ve always been an early riser,” she says. “I’m in about 45 minutes before the 7 a.m. start to prepare for the day, and because there are usually patients waiting.”
On the mornings she volunteers, she unlocks the pre-op offices, turns on lights, and begins organizing the flow of patients before the department gets busy. Cataract days move fast, sometimes up to 44 surgeries performed by two surgeons.
“The clerks have the charts prepared. As patients arrive, I put their chart in a binder for registration. Once registered, I escort them to the appropriate bed or chair and gown them so nurses can nurse,” she says.
Volunteer Anne Rice helps guide patients to cataract surgery, bringing reassurance and holiday cheer to every visit.
Before COVID-19, patients undressed from the waist up.
Now gowns go over clothes, booties over shoes, and belongings into a blue plastic bag - a routine Rice helps make seamless.
Her step count is enormous, though she laughs at the idea of tracking it.
“Sometimes I don’t want to know. But you get used to it. It’s worse if I sit down - as long as I keep moving, I’m fine.”
Most first-time cataract patients arrive feeling nervous.
Rice has made it her mission to help them feel less anxious before surgery.
“Explaining what to expect helps reassure them,” she says.
“Usually after surgery, they’ll say I was right, it was easy peasy and that I made them feel less nervous.”
She’s received hugs, cookies, chocolates and flowers as thank-you gifts.
“Second-timers especially,” she smiles.
A few years ago, Rice decided the cataract registration area could use a touch of cheer.
She put up a few seasonal decorations - then it grew.
With thoughtful touches like nutcrackers framing the window and a star she lovingly relocated, Rice transformed the unit into a festive and comforting place for patients.
Rice's thoughtfully crafted winter scene adds warmth and beauty to one of the waiting rooms of Welland's third hospital floor.
Her decorating has become a beloved part of the patient and staff experience.
For Rice, volunteering isn’t about filling time, it’s about making every day meaningful.
“Waking up with a purpose for the day is motivating and keeps me busy and moving,” she says. “The other four days at home keep me busy too.”
When asked how volunteering has shaped her, she flashes her sense of humour: “I’m almost 80, I think I’m already as shaped as I’m going to get.”
“For anyone thinking about volunteering, start simple,” Rice advises. “The Welcome Desk is a great place to learn the hospital and discover where you’d like to be. You don’t need to give days and days of your time, even a small weekly shift helps more than you’d think. Bring patience, bring a sense of humour, and the rest falls into place.”
Currently, Niagara Health has 650 active volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Niagara Health, please visit the Volunteer Resources page for more information.
