Volunteer Spotlights

Julie Boarder, a full-time real estate agent who grew up in the North York area, had her children here and still resides in the community. When she adopted her rescue dog Laney, she thought Laney would make a great therapy dog. After becoming a member of the therapy animal team in 2019 with Therapeutic Paws of Canada, Julie and Laney joined North York General Hospital (NYGH). Working alongside Jackie Marcoux, Recreational Therapist at NYGH, the team began visiting patients at the at the General site.

It wasn’t long before the in-person visits turned to virtual ones when the pandemic took hold in 2020. Jackie was quickly able to pivot and introduce virtual visits. Patients enjoyed watching dogs do tricks on command.

Julie and Laney were happy to return to the General site as soon as it was safe to do so. Laney was quick to cuddle on patient beds for a well-deserved back rub. After Laney’s retirement, the program recently welcomed Poppy, who is already a familiar face at the General site.

Julie loves that Poppy brings a smile to patients when they need it most. Julie and Poppy hope to expand their role at North York General and continue seeing the joy on people’s faces when they brighten their day.

The North York General Therapy Animal Visiting Program engages volunteers with dogs who have been trained and certified to provide a positive and meaningful experience for both the patient/resident and the volunteer. In addition to the General site, Therapy Animal Visiting teams are also available at the Seniors’ Health Centre, Reactivation Care Centre (RCC), and most recently, Phillips House, catering to the Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Program.

Volunteer Services looks forward to continuing to work with our community partners to bring additional dog teams to North York General.

Jackie shared the impact Julie, Laney and Poppy have made with her patients:

“Julie and her two dogs, Laney and Poppy, are wholeheartedly dedicated to their weekly visits, providing our geriatric patients with emotional support, companionship and a sense of comfort during their hospital stay.  Patients will often share stories about their pets, then end the visit with “you made my day, thanks for your visit,” Julie is an outstanding member of the volunteer team, I truly appreciate all you do for our patients. Happy Volunteer Week, Julie!”

Yashar Davari-Zarnaghi is a passionate content creator, entrepreneur, and gaming enthusiast, who has built a vibrant community through his work. Whether he is producing engaging videos, managing esports teams, or creating unique gaming apparel, Yashar thrives on bringing people together through shared interests. Outside of his digital ventures, he is an avid coffee lover, enjoys road trips with friends, and has a deep appreciation for card games, board games, and all things nostalgic. His creative mind and drive for innovation extend beyond entertainment—he is dedicated to shaping spaces where people feel connected, inspired, and empowered.

Yashar has spent his entire life navigating the healthcare system. Being diagnosed at birth with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), has given Yashar a unique perspective on resilience and advocacy. His journey began at The Hospital for Sick Children, where he received countless blood transfusions and underwent extensive monitoring—including vision, hearing, endocrine assessments, and MRIs to track how his condition affected his body. Growing up, Yashar spent more time in hospitals than in school, balancing medical care with everyday life. As he transitioned into adulthood, Yashar moved to University Health Network (UHN) and Toronto General Hospital for continued care. However, living in North York made commuting downtown challenging. Seeking a more accessible option, he transferred to North York General Hospital (NYGH), where he continues to receive care today.

At NYGH, Yashar’s journey is centred around the Baruch Weisz Outpatient Care Clinic, where he receives blood transfusions every three weeks. In August 2023, he took on a new role, officially joining NYGH as a Patient Experience Partner (PXP). This opportunity allows him to give back to the hospital that has played such a vital role in his life, using his firsthand experience to help shape People-Centred Care and various hospital initiatives.

“I owe a lot to those who have taken care of me throughout my journey,” Yashar shares. “Providing my feedback and advocating for a people-centred care approach is my way of giving back to a hospital that has been a major part of my life.”

Since stepping into his role as a PXP, Yashar has worked closely with the leadership team as a member of the Ambulatory Care Operations & Quality Committee. His contributions extend to key hospital projects, including Project UniPHI, patient material reviews, discharge form enhancements, and patient surveys for various clinics.

One of Yashar’s most impactful moments came when he shared his personal story with the hospital’s leadership team and Board of Governors. “Because I have a rare condition, I want to raise awareness that there are patients like me who have grown up in the hospital system and can provide valuable insights into how care can be improved.”

Yashar understands firsthand the challenges of navigating a rare blood disorder but has never let it define his ambitions. Instead, he uses his voice to raise awareness about patient experience, where he strives to help improve care and understanding for others facing similar conditions. Yashar’s journey is not just about overcoming obstacles—it is also about redefining them as stepping stones toward something greater.

Seeing the direct impact of his work motivates Yashar in his PXP role.

“As a current patient at NYGH, I get to work behind the scenes and then benefit from the changes firsthand. It’s rewarding to know that the work I do helps improve quality of life for patients like me.”

Looking ahead, Yashar is eager to expand his involvement within NYGH. This spring, he began working alongside the Clinical Genetics team and is hoping to contribute to their work in meaningful ways. He also looks forward to playing a role in shaping NYGH’s 10-year Strategic Plan.

“With my own genetic mutation, I may have a unique perspective that could contribute to new projects and innovations in patient care.”

From being a patient navigating complex medical challenges, to becoming a PXP advocating for people-centred improvements, Yashar’s journey—highlights the power of lived experience in shaping healthcare.

“NYGH has given me so much, and it’s an honour to give back. My hope is that my contributions help create a hospital experience where every individual feels supported, valued, and heard.”

Through his dedication and advocacy, Yashar continues to make a lasting impact on the future of patient care at NYGH, ensuring that the hospital remains a place of support and compassion for all who walk through its doors.

Linda’s mother instilled a love of volunteering at a very early age, by taking her on deliveries for Meals on Wheels. As she went on to have her own children, Linda went back to her roots, volunteering and assisting in classrooms every week before jumping into a role as the School Council Treasurer and Vice Chair.

A chance conversation with a volunteer at another hospital planted a seed and led Linda to an opportunity with the North York General Hospital (NYGH) Volunteer Program in 2017. Linda says, “when I reached the stage in my life of having time to volunteer on a regular basis, NYGH was the obvious choice for me. Apart from its stellar reputation, it’s always been ‘my’ hospital. I grew up minutes away from here, and my four children were born here. All these years later, it’s still our hospital of choice.”

As a way to honour her mother who is a breast cancer survivor, Linda was immediately drawn to help in the Breast Diagnostic Clinic. Linda started at the old Branson site in Breast Medical Diagnostic Imaging and later moved to the BMO Diagnostic Clinic (BDC), which is part of the Karen, Heather, and Lynn Steinberg Breast Centre. The BDC provides comprehensive services for individuals with a potential diagnosis of breast cancer, as identified by a clinical examination and/or medical imaging abnormalities.

Linda has also volunteered in the Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care which honoured her father. Linda shares how he handled the period around the end of his life with courage and grace. “He always said he had the easy part – he was just dying. We had the hard part, because we would be left behind to deal with the pain of his loss. In his final days he encouraged us to ask or tell him anything we wanted – nothing was off limits. I’ve often told people that was the greatest gift he ever gave me. I wanted to be around patients and families going through that, so that I could pay that forward.”

The outset of the pandemic limited Linda’s role in palliative care, but she was happy to add the role of Ambassador to her portfolio once volunteers were welcomed back in 2022.

Linda reflects on her volunteering with North York General Hospital and specifically the BDC as her happy place. The work is incredibly meaningful to her. She added, “As women, we are always strong and taking care of everyone else until we find ourselves in a moment of weakness and vulnerability.”

Linda’s BDC role, combined with her role as an Ambassador, compliments the work she does each time she puts on her blue volunteer smock.

Thank you, Linda for making a difference in the Breast Diagnostic Clinic and as an Ambassador.

Minnie is enrolled at the University of Toronto in the Masters of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering program, joined our North York General Hospital Volunteer Program in 2023. Minnie volunteers in the Specialized Geriatric Services Day Hospital at Minor Surgical Procedures and Elder Care Centre (Consumers site).

North York has a large, growing seniors’ population, with the highest percentage of people 65 and older in Toronto. North York General’s Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS) helps older adults maintain their independence and quality of life through improved health and wellness. Our outpatient programs provide comprehensive assessment and/or treatment for older adults who are experiencing a change in function, memory, mood, mobility or have complex medical issues. Minnie and her family emigrated to Canada from Brazil in 2009 and North York became home. With North York General as their community hospital, she had the opportunity to meet and interact with many seniors since moving here. Minnie did her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in Mechanical Engineering but was always interested in health care as it runs in her family. Once Minnie completes her master’s program, she is hoping to go to Medical School and is interested in working with seniors and in family medicine.

In her volunteer role with the Specialized Geriatric Services Day Hospital, Minnie helps the team with organizational tasks. To Minnie, organizing and helping others brings her a lot of joy and enables the team to focus on helping patients.

Minnie also enjoys interacting with the seniors by helping run games, balance activities and daily exercise walks. She enjoys the chance to connect, learn from seniors, and see them improve during their time with the program.

“Minnie is one of those volunteers that stands out. She takes her role and responsibilities very seriously. She is flexible and always willing to assist the team in whatever is asked of her. If you want something done, you can be reassured that it will be completed! Her positive energy and empathy are wonderful for our older adults. Minnie, The Geriatric Day Hospital Team thanks you for supporting us and our clients!”

 – Roula Mandas, Social Worker for the Specialized Geriatric Services at Minor Surgical Procedures and Elder Care Centre (Consumers site)

Minnie enjoys interacting with patients and expert health care staff, which along with her master’s studies, can lead to other opportunities to help with her future. Minnie is currently doing research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre where she is working on a project focused on workflow in the operating room for orthopaedics and will be presenting this project at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Health Conference. She has also been working part-time for an organization that provides training to health care workers in rural communities. Minnie credits her volunteer work with North York General for inspiring these opportunities.

Thank you, Minnie, for making a world of difference to our Specialized Geriatrics Services team and patients.

North York resident, Soon Ki joined the North York General Hospital Volunteer Program as a Faith Visitor in 2011. The married mother of two children and two grandchildren was inspired after a few emergency visits to the hospital including an appendectomy, where she was treated so well by the North York General Hospital team. Soon Ki was so appreciative of the care she received, she decided to give back.

Soon Ki had been involved in pastoral care in the Korean community, where she completed her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) under the guidance of past Spiritual Care Director, Joan Silcox-Smith. Soon Ki was appointed to lead worship and as an on-call Chaplain, spent time across many hospital units performing baptisms, visiting palliative care patients, and providing comfort to those who lost their loved one. She also offered words of comfort and prayer to patients and families in need.
Soon Ki would also lead worship every Sunday at the General in the Louise Kirby Multi-Faith Chapel as well as at Seniors’ Health Centre (SHC). While it was paused during the pandemic, chapel visits now continue at SHC each Sunday. She also brings her gift of music to the home each week, playing the viola for residents.

North York General’s Faith Visitor volunteers provide support for residents and families, offering companionship and care consistent with and based on the practices of the religion shared with the resident’s identified faith tradition. Soon Ki has also volunteered in our Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) which she describes as a beautiful experience helping patients.

Soon Ki studied fine art in Milan and exhibited a sculpture installation at the Canada Arts Council 2000 Millennium Exhibition. She has also worked as a pastor at the Korean Presbyterian Church.

When asked about what is most meaningful about her volunteer work at North York General Hospital, she simply says, “when patients and families say thank you.”

Annie MacDonald, Activities Coordinator at SHC, adds, “Soon Ki is a compassionate spiritual care volunteer who dedicates her time to bringing comfort, companionship, and a sense of peace to seniors in our home. With a deep sense of empathy and understanding, she listens attentively to their stories, offers words of encouragement, and provides a safe space for them to express their feelings. She also has a calm and nurturing presence during her time spent volunteering. When she is here, she leads a weekly church service and offers 1:1 spiritual support that helps seniors navigate the challenges of aging. Her work is a testament to her selflessness and dedication to enhancing the well-being of those she serves, creating a sense of belonging and hope in their lives.”

Thank you, Soon Ki, for your commitment to caring for and comforting of our patients, residents and families when they need it the most.

Ami joined the North York General volunteer program in 2023 as a Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) volunteer.

Ami’s life journey has taken him from his hotel management studies in the UK in 1971, back to Israel where he worked in the hospitality industry, flight attendant and travel agent, where he met his wife. The journey to emigrate to Canada did not come without cold feet. After being without work for six months, the pair made their way to Toronto to be with family.

Ami worked in various roles including as a cook with Sunrise Retirement Home where he spent 13 years before retiring. His hospitality experience and desire to make others happy served him well and inspired him to be a volunteer. Ami created menus and spent time with the residents during mealtimes. These connections grew stronger, and Ami visited residents who needed hospital care, including at North York General Hospital.

Ami’s work with seniors inspired him to volunteer at the Reactivation Care Centre (RCC) as part of the Elder Life Program which supports patients through mealtime assistance, friendly visiting, and therapeutic activities. In his weekly visits to the RCC, Ami finds many patients enjoy daily chats, as many do not have regular visits from family and friends.

“Ami continues to be an excellent volunteer. He arrives each week with a smile on his face and ready to volunteer. Ami helps to prevent patients in the Hospital Elder Life Program from declining in physical and mental health during their stay in the hospital.” – Cara Chen, Elder Life Specialist for the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at the Finch site Reactivation Care Centre (RCC).

Ami and his wife have three children and five grandchildren and is the process of writing his life’s memoir. He shared some wise reflections: He encourages those thinking about retiring to start to explore some options to help others and get out of their comfort zone.

Ami is an example of active aging. In addition to being a volunteer, he enjoys exercising, gardening, and cooking, making soup for his neighbours every week. “If we all do something small for others, we would have an entirely different world,” says Ami.

Thank you, Ami, for being part of the North York General volunteer team and making a difference to our RCC patients during a time of transition.