Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation volunteer Lori Moch says after 25 years of volunteer service, being at the hospital feels just like being a part of a community.

“This is like a small town, our hospital. But with a big heart — it just gives you that feeling of welcomeness and support,” she says.

When Lori and Darcy Moch’s youngest child was born with a heart condition, it meant the family spent a lot of time at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. That time was what sparked their years-long volunteering journey with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation — resulting in 25 years of volunteer service, with Darcy serving 17 years on the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation board, Lori volunteering at countless events and both of them now co-chairing the Foundation’s Patron’s Council.

During National Volunteer Week, which runs April 14 to 20, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is thanking its incredible volunteers, like Darcy and Lori.

The Foundation has hundreds of volunteers who give their time, talents, treasure and hearts to support the children and families who rely on the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

“We can only do what we do with support from our amazing volunteers — including our board. This is a group of people who are unwavering in their commitment to achieving the best health and best future for all children and families.”
– Saifa Koonar, President and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation

 

Board member Steve Stretch, who has been volunteering with the Foundation for over 15 years, thinks of his volunteer time in milestones — successfully completing fundraising for the Dr. Robert Haslam Chair in Pediatric Neurology, funding the Ward Chair in Pediatric Brain Injury and celebrating the opening of The Summit.

“My time on the board rivals the highlights of my career and how fulfilling it’s been,” he says. “The cause speaks for itself.”

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Volunteers also support the Foundation’s many events. Two of those special volunteers are Bob and Carol Laws. Carol has been volunteering with the hospital, and later the Foundation, for 24 years, while Bob has been volunteering with the Foundation for 12 years.

Bob says after he retired he wanted to support a meaningful cause. “There is something special about the Alberta Children’s Hospital — it’s a magical place really,” he says. “It’s the one place you don’t want to have to take your kid, but it’s fantastic when you’re there.”

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June and David Lai began volunteering at Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation events in 2017, and since then, they’ve brought multiple other families and friends out to volunteer.

Their favourite memories include watching kids line up to see the Stanley Cup and using their knowledge to help people pick out produce at the annual Fall Harvest Sale. David said they’re thrilled to be giving back to the community and to be a part of the volunteer team.

We are so thankful for our hundreds of volunteers who, in the last year, have contributed thousands of hours of valuable time.

Thank you!