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Every Friday, you can find Nicolas Kladitis on the main floor of Michael ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý helping patients and visitors navigate their way around the Hospital. But his volunteerism doesn't end there.

Five times per year, Nicolas travels to Cuba for three to four days to distribute much needed items to locals in villages, senior communities and care facilities, maternity wards and orphanages. He packs his suitcases with clothing, toys, non-perishable food items and assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches and canes.

“Volunteering in Cuba is a big part of my life,� says Nicolas. “It makes me happy to see the smiles on their faces.�

April 16-20 is National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate and thank Canadians like Nicolas for contributions to their communities and beyond.

On his last trip to Cuba, Nicolas filled a suitcase with Volunteer Services old uniforms which are now being used at an institution. As Nicolas points out, most people only see “the sunny side of Cuba with beautiful hotels and beaches, and don't necessarily realize the extent of poverty that exists.�

“We are very fortunate to have hundreds of dynamic volunteers helping to enrich the patient experience at MGH, says Denny Petkovski, Manager, Volunteer Services at Michael ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý. “There are many volunteers just like Nicolas, whose passion for helping others spreads far beyond the East York community.â€�

MGH has more than 500 volunteers ranging from the ages of 14 to 107, and collectively speak over 40 languages. Volunteers at MGH support over 30 different areas, including the Emergency Department, Surgery, Medicine, Oncology and Diagnostic Imaging. The General Store (Hospital Gift Shop) located in the Coxwell Lobby is staffed by volunteers � and all proceeds are donated back to the Hospital.

Interested in learning more about volunteer programs or becoming a volunteer at MGH?