“I do what I do out of love — volunteering gives me life.” A pillar of positivity, a mentor to others and a source of comfort for all who walk through Burnaby Hospital’s doors, Maria Carinha has been named a Fraser Health Hero.
Photo: Maria Carinha, Wayfinder volunteer, Burnaby Hospital
Meet Maria Carinha, a Wayfinder volunteer at Burnaby Hospital. She’s 82-years young with overflowing energy and a sincere passion for giving back and serving others.
Maria’s volunteer journey began more than a decade ago inspired by a personal loss.
“My husband passed away at Burnaby Hospital,” she reflects. “I can’t give back enough.”
Since then, Maria has contributed over 3,400 hours of service during 12 years — selfless time spent enhancing the experience of patients and families.
Her bond with Burnaby Hospital stretches back generations — with her grandchildren born here, volunteering is a natural way to give back to the community.
Learn more about the inspiring work Maria does:
She describes her role as simply “showing people how to find their way,” but her true focus at her post at the heart of the hospital is to help everyone she sees in any way she can.
“Maria always wants to help people,” says Lenka Achacoso, volunteer coordinator. “Even when off-duty, her instinct to help shines through. She has guided lost visitors, comforted distressed patients and stepped in when others needed support. In one instance, she noticed a mother in pain and a child unprepared for the weather and quickly sought help.”
Maria takes her role seriously and sets a high standard for volunteerism.
“She is the grandmother of all the volunteers,” Lenka adds. “She goes above and beyond, not just volunteering but mentoring.”
Cleigh Ripley, development coordinator at Burnaby Hospital Foundation, admires Maria’s calming presence and her ability to inspire others to give back.
“From crafting items to raising funds to mentoring new volunteers, Maria brings creativity and heart to every task. Her belief that ‘every penny counts’ has encouraged friends, family and even visitors to volunteer or donate,” Cleigh says.
Maria exudes community spirit and brings joy to staff and visitors alike.
“Here, I talk, I laugh, I joke, I help people — that’s what I do,” she says. “Here, I feel alive. I get a lot when I give.”
Whether she is supporting someone in need, lending an ear or providing a hand to hold, Maria exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and demonstrates what it means to be a health care hero.
As for Maria, she simply shares her gifts with the world because she loves to.
“You know, I don’t feel like I’m a hero. I do what I do out of love — I’m doing what I like to do.”
Congratulations to Maria Carinha – recipient of a Fraser Health Hero Award.