Volunteers across Lanark County honoured at special event during National Volunteer Week
Volunteers across Lanark County were recognized this week for their vital role in sustaining local healthcare, as the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) marked National Volunteer Week with a celebration of service, dedication, and community impact.
In a press release issued on Friday, April 24, 2026, the organization shared that they held their Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on Thursday, Apr. 23, at the Almonte General Hospital (AGH). The celebratory event saw dozens of volunteers come together from AGH, Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital and Fairview Manor.
Across the MRHA network, volunteers take on a wide range of important roles. From greeting patients and families at entrances to supporting clinical areas and spending time with residents, their presence helps make sure everyone has a welcoming and supportive experience in the healthcare system.
The event coincided with National Volunteer Week, which is observed across the country from April 19 to 25. According the the MRHA, this particular event carried extra significance as AGH is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. As an added personal touch, organizers highlighted the long-standing contributions of volunteers through a “Gratitude Wall,” which included messages from patients, residents, staff, and families.
“Volunteers are an essential part of how we care for our patients and residents,” said Brad Harrington, President and CEO of the MRHA. “They bring compassion, connection, and humanity into our hospitals and long-term care home every day, and their impact is felt not only by those receiving care, but by the staff and medical staff who work alongside them.”
“Whether it’s offering a warm welcome, spending time with a resident, or supporting a busy unit, volunteers make a meaningful difference in the day-to-day experience of care,” said Kelly Bowles, Recreation Therapist and Volunteer Coordinator. “Their presence brings comfort, connection, and a sense of community that cannot be replaced.”
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme was “Ignite Volunteerism,” which reflects the importance of civic engagement in building strong communities, according to the MRHA.