By: Peter Toboso

For Doreen Bocking, volunteering at Hennick Humber Hospital (Humber) is more than a way to give back. It has been part of her life for more than 30 years. 

Doreen began volunteering as a teenager at Humber’s Finch legacy site, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. After a long career as a registered nurse, she returned to regular volunteering and has spent the past seven years supporting the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). Today, she also serves as President of the Humber River Health Volunteer Association. “I keep coming back because it feels good that I’m doing this,” Doreen said. “It’s that feeling of being able to help people and be a part of the dynamics of this hospital.” 

Through her volunteer work, Doreen spends time connecting with patients, staff, and visitors, while also taking the time to connect with patients as they recover. For Doreen, these small moments of support and connection make a meaningful difference.  

Doreen’s commitment to volunteering also runs in the family. Her mother, Erane Bocking, has volunteered with the hospital for more than 55 years and first introduced Doreen to volunteering. That early exposure not only shaped Doreen’s desire to give back, but also introduced her to the many possibilities of a career in healthcare. This is another reason Doreen strongly encourages others, particularly young people, to consider volunteering. Being in a hospital environment gives students an opportunity to discover the many different professions that contribute to patient care, including roles they may not have previously considered. 

For people of all ages, Doreen believes volunteering offers an opportunity to build connections, contribute to the community, and know that their time is making a difference. 

Whether welcoming patients, supporting a hospital department or contributing to fundraising initiatives, volunteers are an important part of the Humber community. For Doreen, that sense of shared purpose is what has kept her coming back for decades. “I feel that we’re accomplishing something with the hospital,” she said. 

Whether you’re a student exploring a future in healthcare, a retiree looking to give back, or simply someone who wants to make a positive impact, there are many ways to get involved. As Doreen’s journey shows, volunteering can open doors, build lasting connections and turn a few hours of your time into an experience that can stay with you for years to come. 

To learn more about volunteering at Hennick Humber Hospital, click here.