The En Cœur Foundation is constantly looking for motivated people who are generous with their time to join its team of volunteers. Get involved now! Together we can make a difference!
HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
There are two different ways to become a volunteer with the En Cœur Foundation. Thank you for helping us to accomplish our mission to support children with heart disease and their families.
The En Cœur Foundation depends on donations to ensure its existence. Fundraising and other financing activities are therefore essential to enable us to pursue our mission.
The logistical support required for fundraising activities could not be provided without the support of volunteers. This is why, during such activities, the En Cœur Foundation calls on the assistance of parents or people sensitive to the cause to carry out various tasks related to the organization and smooth running of events. These tasks include setting up, distributing products and gifts, supervising activities, welcoming participants and tidying up.
Lots of fun and great encounters guaranteed!
The first reception service for families whose children are hospitalized was created at the Centre mère-enfant Soleil in Quebec City. Indeed, in connection with the mission of the Foundation “to offer meaningful support to children with heart disease and their families,” the management of the Foundation recruited 5 volunteers who, since May 2012, have been providing support and comfort to families whose children are hospitalized at the CHUL de Québec.
These volunteers ensure a constant presence in the departments of the neonatal unit, pediatric intensive care and pediatric cardiology to provide support to parents and to listen with empathy throughout this challenge. Volunteers are also responsible for providing information to parents through documentation. They distribute the book Young at Heart, produced and published by the En Cœur Foundation, to parents.
Volunteers are responsible for the loan of breast pumps for breastfeeding mothers and CoaguCheks following the recommendation of the cardiologist. They offer answers and refer families to the right people when needed, in addition to providing relief and comfort when parents need it most. As the hospital is a very complex environment where it is easy to lose one’s bearings, volunteers play an important role with families by acting as guides. They can introduce parents to social workers, lactitians, nurses and specialist doctors, as needed, and guide them through the neonatal and cardiology departments. However, volunteers cannot give health advice in any way. They may, however, refer the parents to a competent professional.
You can go to them if you need to talk. They are identified with En Cœur material. Ask your cardiologist to meet them: according to Dr. Christine Houde, head of the pediatric cardiology department at the CHUL, “they are part of the prescription and care plan.”
To call them:
To call them: 418 525-4444, extension 71314.
For any information about this service in Quebec City, you can contact Philippe Deslauriers, Quebec City coordinator, at 418-654-2270.