A luncheon honoring the men and women who do volunteer work at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) was held Friday, April 21st in the Conference Center to kick-off National Volunteer Week (April 23-29, 2006). 

“There are over 60 volunteers that have worked over 21,000 hours this year alone,” said Phyllis Peoples, President and Chief Executive Officer at TGMC.  “The tremendous job that our volunteers do at our hospital is immeasurable,” said Peoples.  Some of the responsibilities that the volunteers have include operating the gift shop, greeting and escorting our patients and visitors, delivering flowers and mail, and assisting in various clerical departments of the hospital.  “We are very appreciative for all that they do to make our hospital a special place,” she added. 

Three very special volunteers were recognized as Volunteers of the Year at the luncheon.   They represent the gift shop, the information desk or floater areas and the clerical areas. 

Mrs. Linda Ricca was selected as Volunteer of the Year from the gift shop. For the past 14 years, Mrs. Ricca has been dedicated to volunteering solely in the gift shop at TGMC.  Now that the current gift shop has moved to the Women’s Center, she is very excited about the opportunity to work in a new environment and assist visitors with unique and wonderful gift items. 

Ricca was very surprised when finding out she was the recipient of this award and stated, “It is an honor to be in such great company compared to the hard work and dedication of the other two winners.  It feels great to receive this award, but the best reward is the lifelong friendships you make with the people you meet along the way.” 

Mr. Hayes Porche was chosen as Volunteer of the Year from the information desk/floater area. Mr. Porche began volunteer work at TGMC in 1977 and for the past 28 years has assisted the Chaplin in serving the Eucharist to patients and visitors.  More recently, he has served as a floater to run various errands in addition to his normal duties with the Chaplin.  When asked about how he felt to be chosen volunteer of the year Porche replied, “There have been two episodes in my life that I remember being truly surprised and shocked, and this was one of them.  It is an honor for me to receive this award.”

Porche is an active volunteer in several other organizations in addition to his work at TGMC.  “This work gives me something to do when I wake up each morning and it is rewarding at the end of the day when I am done.  God calls people to do different things and this is my way of utilizing my talents to touch peoples lives,” stated Porche.

Ms. Agatha Hamilton was chosen as the Volunteer of the Year from the clerical area of hospital. Since 1996, Ms. Hamilton has volunteered in the Cancer Care department, located in the Medical Atrium building, where she assists in several duties such as the information desk, clerical assistance, American Cancer Society event planning and whatever else is needed and within her ability. 

When discovering she was Volunteer of the Year, Hamilton said, “I was shocked and very touched.  I was not expecting it, which made the award even nicer to receive.  Volunteering is a wonderful experience because it gives you something to look forward to each morning.  The people I work with are a true joy to be around.  When I see people with cancer, I try to cheer them up and make them feel better.  This in turn brightens my day, knowing I am giving back to humanity.”

Ms. Hamilton has a life-long connection to TGMC and assisted Mother Blanche at the original hospital grand opening more than 50 years ago. 

If you are interested in volunteering at TGMC please call 873-4618.