Pine Tree Hospice core training starts next month

DOVER-FOXCROFT — “A friend of mine became a Pine Tree Hospice volunteer about four or five years ago,” says Yvonne Davis, program assistant at Pine Tree Hospice (PTH). “She is one of the most upbeat, positive people I know, as well as thoughtful and caring. The pleasure she took in enriching her hospice clients’ lives inspired me to find out more about Pine Tree Hospice. In 2012 I had the opportunity to join the staff of PTH and have since then become a PTH volunteer myself.  I have had the chance to meet a lot of our volunteers. They are just ordinary people, but what they are able to do for their clients is extraordinary- bringing a little extra happiness into their days.”

Being a hospice volunteer can be rewarding and only a commitment of about two to four hours per week is requested. As one of our volunteers has said, “I knew this was something that would be very worthwhile in terms of giving back to the community … you can provide a lot of relief to the family, provide a little entertainment to the individual … just little niceties for their life … anyone can do this.”

Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself.  It’s what you do for others.  Are you ready to share your talents? PTH volunteers can enjoy time with their clients doing such activities as going for walks or rides, fishing and cooking together. Other ways of helping include running errands, providing transportation, companionship, preparing a meal, light housekeeping, etc.

PTH will offer its core training, which is the basic training that all hospice volunteers must complete, beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 8 5–9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13 1–6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15 5–9 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 17 5-9 p.m. at the Mayo Regional Hospital Resource Center. This training is free and a complimentary meal is provided. To register for the core training, please call 564-4346 or email wecare@pinetreehospice.org.