www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 15, 2015 | 4 Toast of the Decades a tribute to OTMH volunteers by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff When Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) opened in 1950, there was no shortage of volunteers eager to lend a hand. A women's auxiliary group was formed, initially boasting more than 100 volunteers. This group offered a variety of services at the hospital, including sewing and mending, maintaining the library, a tuck wagon and operation of the central supply room. Today, those efforts have multiplied with close to 800 volunteers working in a variety of roles throughout the hospital. From operating the local gift shop to giving extra support at the breastfeeding clinic, the volunteers play an integral role in hospital life. In recognition of all their dedication to the hospital over the last 65 years, the Oakville Hospital Volunteer Association (OHVA) is hosting a celebration on Oct. 24. Dubbed A Toast of the Decades, the event, which will take place in the auditorium of the 327 Reynolds St. hospital from noon to 2 p.m., will pay tribute to the volunteers. It will pay homage to the history of volunteers, including the founding of the women's auxiliary group and the various volunteer roles, according to Vicki Gopal, OHVA communications chair. "When it (the auxiliary group) started, there were six different services and now there are 40 services, if not more," said Gopal, herself a sixyear volunteer. First face visitors see People visiting the hospital often first see a volunteer, said Gopal, as they're involved in everything from patient transport and the information desk to providing directions to those navigating the facility. "We also have greeters on a lot of the floors so when someone steps off the elevator there's a volunteer there to greet the patient, family or visitor and guide them to wherever it is they need to go," she said. "We have volunteers all over the place," she said, adding they help with meal trays on each floor, various programs staff initiate and in the emergency department. The Oct. 24 event will also provide volunteers with the opportunity to officially say goodbye to the Reynolds Street hospital facility as the hospital prepares to move to its new facility on Dundas Street at Third Line on Dec. 13. For many, it will be a bittersweet moment that is likely the last time they'll all gather in the auditorium. OHVA President Patte Seaton said she's going to miss the Reynolds Street location, which is seven minutes from home. Hospital feels like home Having been a volunteer for almost 10 years, Seaton said the hospital has felt like home to her and she has built "lots of fond memories" there. "But then I get so excited when I visit the new hospital -- a state-of-the-art building to be proud of," she said. "...I know it's going to be more than alright." Judi Severin, who is volunteer convenor of the hospital gift shop, said moving is a stressful time and many have mixed emotions. "There is a lot of history in the old gift shop, from a snack bar where sandwiches were made for the physicians and staff to our present-day shop. We are also very excited about moving to our lovely new state-of-the-art building on Dundas Street," she said. "Saying `goodbye' is never easy, but saying `hello' to our new site will make things a lot easier," said Severin. Mary Kanko, a volunteer greeter, said she can't wait for the move and it's part of why she became a volunteer more than three years ago. "At that time, I had no idea of the extent, impact or presence of the volunteers at OTMH," said the Bronte resident. "What a fine group of dedicated and talented community members who truly are dedicated to giving." l r. 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