A Chatham-Kent resident who takes on multiple roles has been named volunteer of the year at Riverview Gardens.
Charlie Slade received the 2022 award from the municipal long-term care home’s family council. The recognition is named the Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism in honor of a family council member, friend and volunteer who died in 2018.
“We, as representatives of Family Council, chose Charlie Slade to be the recipient of the 2022 Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism because of his dedication to Riverview Gardens,” Janice Ward, co-chair of the council, said in a news release.
“Charlie started volunteering because he saw a need and knew it was one that he could fulfill. He knew that it was his calling to bring a little joy and comfort to the residents of Riverview Gardens.”
Slade has put in over 1,700 volunteer service hours. He visits on behalf of the Salvation Army and is also on the spiritual care committee. He porters residents to and from the hair salon and organizes events and bingos.
As well, Slade has done one-on-one visits and assists with the resident satisfaction survey. As part of the end-of-life volunteer roster, he supports residents until their family arrives or for their final moments of life.
“Charlie is very reliable and always available for last minute assistance,” Ward said.
Slade is the third recipient of the award since it was created. He is preceded by Loues Duguay in 2020 and Deb Powers in 2021.
“I don’t volunteer to receive awards, but I knew Norm personally for many years, so I am honored to receive an award that’s dedicated to him,” Slade said in the release.
Linda Lachapelle, wife of Norm Lachapelle, said she is “beyond humbled” the family council created the award and includes the family in the presentation.
“This award shines a light on Riverview Gardens volunteers who are devoted, and it gives an opportunity to show them how appreciative we are that they provide such an essential service to the Riverview Gardens residents, especially in these trying times,” Lachapelle said.
The release said volunteers enhance the residents’ quality of life, especially with heightened isolation and depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteer activities include one-to-one visiting, meal assistance, bartending, spiritual service assistance and small activity assistance.
More information about volunteer opportunities is available at www.ckriverviewgardens.ca.