The St. John’s Health Care Lions Club was formed in May 2001 and its members started doing volunteer activities at the hostel, the hospital and the cancer clinic.
They made blankets and pillowcases for patients undergoing cancer treatment. They volunteered with Canadian Blood Services. They provided meals, transportation and entertainment to patients and families staying at the Agnes Cowan Hostel. They prepared meals for families staying at Ronald McDonald House, and did many other things when asked to help.
While talking to patients and families at the Agnes Cowan Hostel, we became aware that there were no televisions or radios in the rooms.
They have held bingo and card games every two weeks to help reduce stress on families and patients by having a laugh, and having Santa visit with his helpers and music for all who were there waiting to get well enough to go home.
While talking to patients and families at the Agnes Cowan Hostel, we became aware that there were no televisions or radios in the rooms. Many of the people staying there were from all areas of the province and were alone. When you are alone and sick you become stressed, which in many cases slows down the healing process.
The Lions members felt that if we were able to get TVs for the rooms, it would help people get better sooner. We saw a need that we could not solve ourselves with our few members. So we approached our district association with the idea of placing TVs in all the rooms. Cyril Simmonds, the district governor of our sister district, which covers the western part of our province and Labrador, offered to help us. We were able to work together to get the funds to place a television in every room. This allows the patient to watch their show or listen to a radio program and lift their spirits. We also have to thank the hospital corporation for installing the cable services in the hostel.
The project is now completed and it took over two years from start to finish, but it was well worth the effort when a patient who has to stay there for a couple of months while going through treatments says, “Thank you for what you did and for the comfort it brings me to help me relax.”
Thank you to all Lions Clubs in the province for your donations and help as we continue to fulfil our Lions’ motto, “We serve.”
Len Mooney, treasurer
On behalf of St. John’s Health Care Lions Club members
