This month, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) celebrates our volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week (April 19 to 25, 2026)! This year’s theme highlights how people across the country have ignited volunteerism in their communities.
At CNH, volunteers play a key part in making our programs successful. Below are just a few examples of how volunteers have supported our programs and even go the extra mile to bring heart to our participants.
Family Place
An interactive program for parents, grandparents and caregivers, and their children (newborn to 5 years old), Family Place provides a space for participants to learn and play together.
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and heart our volunteers bring to our Family Place program. Their willingness to share their time and talents—whether it’s welcoming new families with a warm smile, leading a craft, or simply providing a listening ear—is what makes this community flourish.
Our volunteers aren’t just filling a role, they are helping us create a safe and supportive environment where families can truly thrive. Their selflessness is an inspiration to us all, and we are so fortunate to have all of our volunteers as part of our team.
Food Hub
Our food hub programs allow participants to access food through our weekly food drop, community fridge and pantry, and more!
This year, the food hub team recognizes Tammy for her support in helping these programs thrive, stating:
“Tammy is a dedicated Food Hub volunteer who has been with us for the past two years. We truly appreciate her willingness to always offer support to fellow volunteers and staff. Her big smile and warm energy consistently bring joy to our community, and we feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside her as part of our team.”
Thank you, Tammy!
RISE Community Health Centre
In addition to our regular programs at CNH, volunteers also support RISE Community Health Centre (CHC), which has offered a range of direct medical services and health promotion to the Renfrew-Collingwood area.
Since 2023, Hamid has been a key part of RISE CHC’s advisory committee. Whether he’s helping out during Collingwood Days or contributing to the recent Strengthening Primary Care in BC Report, Hamid is always finding ways to support the community and healthcare.
Hamid brings so much firsthand experience from his work as Portfolio Liaison with Doctors of BC, and his dedication to improving the healthcare system really shows—especially as he remained involved while finishing his graduate studies.
Thank you, Hamid!
Seniors Wellness
As part of our seniors’ wellness programs at CNH, seniors and older adults have been able to access haircuts by donation, thanks to volunteers like Judy Lee Chun.
A not-quite-retired senior, Judy has been a professional hair stylist for more than 40 years. She raised her family while doing what she loves and making lifelong friendships. “It’s been very humbling and rewarding,” says Judy.
Since May 2025, Judy has been offering haircuts by donations for seniors at CNH, and in that time, she “has connected to some of the regulars on a very personal level.” “That is my end goal…being able to connect on a human level and to understand that we are all the same and need the contact and validation of our life here on earth,” she says.
We deeply appreciate Judy sharing her talent with our seniors and fostering meaningful connections.
*Please note, this program ended on April 1, 2026.
Social Prescribing
Our social prescribing program bridges health and social services by supporting adults aged 55+ in Renfrew-Collingwood to local, non-clinical services to holistically address their needs. CNH staff work closely with each participant to develop and implement a wellness plan, based on their needs and goals, and by connecting them to local supports.
One of our long-time volunteers for this program is Mya Stanton. Mya visits older adults and seniors in their homes, which relieves social isolation and improves health outcomes. Mya’s dedication to the social prescribing program is evident through their concern for and commitment to the older adults and seniors they visit.
Thank you, Mya!
Interested in getting involved with CNH? Learn more about volunteering with us at: cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.