Nearly 4,000 volunteers support our long-term care homes, hospitals and community programs across 20 locations, contributing more than 322,565 hours of service in the past year alone.
Volunteers and auxiliary members are important team members across Fraser Health programs and services, bringing kindness, comfort and connection to the people we serve.
Meet four volunteer stories that reflect the meaningful impact volunteers have across Fraser Health.
Orrie Babiuk and Asher, Pet therapy, Queens Park Care Centre
Orrie Asher Babiuk, two volunteers from the Pet Therapy team.
For Orrie and her gentle therapy dog, Asher, volunteering is all about connection—creating moments of joy for long-term care residents.
“Both Asher and I enjoy our weekly visits with the long-term care residents as well as many of the staff,” says Orrie. “Everyone knows Asher’s name and always has a smile on their face when they see him. That makes volunteering there so enjoyable.”
Asher was certified through the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and quickly proved to have the calm, affectionate nature that makes therapy dogs so special.
Since joining the Pet Therapy Team in early 2019, Orrie and Asher have become familiar faces at Queen’s Park Care Centre. During visits, he happily accepts pets, hugs—and the occasional treat—while providing companionship to residents who look forward to seeing him each week.
For Orrie, who has volunteered with Fraser Health for seven years and contributed more than 315 hours of service, the experience is deeply rewarding. Volunteering alongside Asher allows her to give back in a way while also strengthening the bond they share.
Asher’s volunteer work doesn’t stop at Queen’s Park Care Centre. Outside of long-term care, he also helps ease stress for travelers at Vancouver International Airport through the Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI) Program, offering comfort to passengers and airport staff alike.
Whether in a long-term care home or a busy airport terminal, Orrie and Asher show how small acts of kindness—and a friendly four-legged companion—can make a meaningful difference for the people we serve.
Gurjot Sunner, Lab Welcome and Wayfinding, Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgery Centre
Gurjot Sunner, lab and welcome wayfinding volunteer.
For Gurjot Sunner, volunteering as a Lab Welcome and Wayfinding volunteer is more than navigation—it’s about helping people feel seen, supported and less alone during what can be a stressful day.
Gurjot began volunteering at Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgery Centre last summer and quickly found her place connecting with patients and visitors. From guiding someone to offering reassurance to those feeling unsure or overwhelmed, she approaches every interaction with empathy and care.
“What I’ve enjoyed the most is connecting with and getting to support our diverse community,” she says. “Many people arrive with a mix of emotions, and I’m able to help make their day a little easier.”
In her role, Gurjot often supports newcomers who may be unfamiliar with the health care system or who face language barriers. She also helps individuals navigating appointments on their own, offering calm guidance that brings a sense of relief.
In just nine months, Gurjot has contributed more than 115 volunteer hours. Along the way, she’s even taken on an additional roles, including mentoring newer volunteers. “Volunteering has taught me so many lessons,” she says. “That’s why I wanted to support others as they settle into their roles, too.”
“Every shift reminds me that any positive action can help uplift others in ways we don’t realize,” she shares.
Outside of her wayfinding role, Gurjot has spent the last couple of years working as a youth leader with Foundry Surrey. There, she helps ensure youth voices are heard in the development of the centre. Knowing that Surrey’s youth are gaining greater access to mental health resources makes her involvement especially meaningful.
Whether she’s welcoming the people we serve or helping them find their way, Gurjot brings a genuine desire to support others—helping people feel a little more at ease, one interaction at a time.
Community and Master Gardeners, Courtyard Garden Program, Eagle Ridge Manor
Photo (Left): Community and Master Gardeners from the Courtyard Garden Program and residents from the Tri-Cities Eagle Ridge Manor. Photo (Right): Gill Lord, Christine Duamel, Cheryl Papove and Morez Mostafavi, Community and Master Gardeners from the Courtyard Garden Program.
Through the Courtyard Garden Program at Eagle Ridge Manor, a dedicated team of volunteer community gardeners helps maintain the Manor Courtyard Gardens—welcoming outdoor spaces that offer moments of calm for the people we serve. Their work brings knowledge, care and consistency to every season.
The volunteer gardening team includes Cheryl Papove, Christine Duamel, Deb Legree, Gill Lord, Morez Mostafavi, Sharon Langdon and Wayne Stewart, with several long‑time volunteers contributing over 10 years of service.
Their work, from planting and seasonal care to thoughtful, ongoing maintenance, supports accessible, sensory‑rich garden spaces designed to be walkable, wheelchair accessible and enjoyed throughout the year. These outdoor areas provide opportunities for quiet reflection and gentle movement.
“It’s all about the residents, their families and staff — what they can see, touch and smell in an outdoor environment,” says Deb Legree. “Some miss their gardens from home, and if they can, they join in. We always have a smile or a nod for everyone.”
“To see the pleasure that residents get from being outside in the garden — and hearing them talk about their own gardening experiences — is extremely satisfying,” adds Cheryl Papove.
Their care ensures the Manor Courtyard Gardens remain open, welcoming places where people can experience healing together, in fresh air and natural surroundings.
The Courtyard Garden Program is supported through community partnerships, including the Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary, Master Gardeners, Rotary members and community volunteers, all working together to help these garden spaces continue to grow, season after season.
Kiran Khan, Auxiliary, Surrey Memorial Hospital
Kiran Omar Khan, Auxiliary Gift Shop Coordinator, Surrey Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
For Kiran Khan, volunteering is about connection, kindness and giving back to the community.
Since 2022, Kiran has worked over 644 hours supporting the Auxiliary‑run Gift Shop at Surrey Memorial Hospital. From assisting customers and keeping the shop organized to offering a friendly smile and conversation, her role helps provide small comforts during what can be stressful or uncertain moments.
Through volunteering, Kiran has seen how simple acts of grace and kindness can bring comfort and reassurance to people who may be feeling unwell, stressed or overwhelmed. Each shift brings new conversations and stories, making the experience both enriching and rewarding. “I eagerly look forward to each shift,” she shares. “The opportunities to learn are boundless.”
Some of her proudest moments come from simple interactions with the people we serve. When they take the time to say a heartfelt thank you, “those moments are deeply meaningful and affirm the value of being present and helpful,” says Kiran.
Now retired, Kiran hopes to continue giving back to her community and finding new ways to stay engaged and make a difference. To anyone considering volunteering, she offers “it is the best way to give back to society—and to grow as a person.”
Together, these stories reflect how volunteers strengthen care experiences across our hospitals, homes and community programs.
Interested in volunteering at Fraser Health? Learn about opportunities at fraserhealth.ca/volunteer.