Meet Stephenie Driedger, volunteer, St. Mary’s Health Care Centre, Trochu

Stephenie Driedger, a volunteer at St. Mary’s Health Centre, a Covenant Health facility in Trochu, has had a passion for helping others since her childhood in Manitoba. Raised in a home where service to others was a foundation, she spent much of her youth visiting a care home where her mother worked. Her mother’s emphasis on expressing kindness and compassion, particularly towards the elderly, shaped Stephenie’s perspective on making a difference.

“I used to feel a little nervous around the elderly residents when I was young,” Stephenie says. “They would be in wheelchairs, or sometimes they’d shout things I didn’t quite understand, but my mom always told me that they loved seeing people around, and that stuck with me.”

Inspired by her mother’s words, Stephenie remained committed to volunteering as she grew older. When she and her family moved to Trochu in the summer of 2020, she was eager to continue her volunteer work, even if time constraints prevented her from doing so full time, she says. Aware of how small acts of kindness can create lasting change, she was determined to contribute in any way she could.

Stephenie’s duties at St. Mary’s range from assisting with group activities to running errands and offering one-on-one interaction with residents in need of extra care. Whether helping someone write letters or offering a listening ear to a lonely resident, she finds joy in the meaningful moments that volunteering brings, she says.

“There was this one lady who loved writing letters but couldn’t anymore because of her health. I would help her read her mail or write letters to her loved ones. After she passed away, I felt so grateful for the time we spent together. Even small moments like that really stick with you.”

Stephenie encourages others, particularly people in rural communities, to consider volunteering. “Even if you can’t commit to a full day, every little bit helps,” she says. “Whether it’s helping someone write a letter, playing a game with them or just offering a kind word, it all makes a big impact.

“It’s all about making someone’s day a little brighter. When you see the smiles on the residents' faces, you realize that even the smallest effort can change someone’s life.”

Stephenie’s advice for anyone considering volunteering is simple: “Just go for it. You don’t have to make a huge commitment. It’s not about having a lot of time; it’s about making that time count. The staff at the facility are understanding and flexible. Volunteering is such a rewarding experience, and it really does make a difference.”