Renfrew – Hospice Renfrew is pleased to share that Darlene Meleskie has been awarded the 2021 June Callwood Award.
The June Callwood Award was established in 1994 by the Hospice Association of Ontario, joined in 2011 with Ontario Palliative Care Association to form Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, to acknowledge and thank outstanding hospice volunteers throughout Ontario. The award was named in honour of the late June Callwood, the Award Patron, long-time advocate of hospice, community activist, author, and recipient of the Order of Canada. June was a recipient of this award in 1995.
Each hospice in Ontario that is a HPCO organizational member, was invited to nominate one volunteer from within their organization who exemplifies the spirit of hospice volunteerism. “Darlene is a selfless and passionate caring woman who is respectful and thought kindly of by others,” says Debroah Coelho, Volunteer Coordinator. Prior to retirement, Darlene showed empathy and kindness as a hospice nurse, which she then continued as a volunteer since 2016 here at Hospice Renfrew.
Darlene has served as part of our kitchen team providing the home like environment with the aroma of baked goods. Her kind-hearted nature provides comforting conversations with the residents and families with her role on the grief and bereavement team. Our annual ‘Celebration of Life’ is another example of how instrumental she is to our Hospice team and we are grateful for her devoted, humble, and caring heart. Due to Covid19 restrictions, this year the award ceremony was a virtual platform on the evening of May 13, 2021.
“We are so thankful for all our volunteers,” says Executive Director, Marjorie Joly. “Volunteers are special people whom we rely on to help us in many ways. Darlene has played a key role in many areas, most recently as she serves as part of our Grief & Bereavement Support.”
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