April 29, 2025
Did you know that each week, 400 St.Amant volunteers help enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities or autism? On April 10th, the Volunteer Appreciation Awards celebrated the kind, caring, and gracious individuals who donate their time to St.Amant. In honour of Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 27th– May 2nd), we will be sharing some words from the award recipients on their experience volunteering at St.Amant.
Bunmi Adeyemi was the recipient of the Adult Volunteer of the Year Award. Bunmi brings both heart and dedication to everything they do—whether it’s supporting the Respite Program, participating in Book Club, or offering time to Spiritual Health Services. Bunmi’s warm energy and genuine spirit is contagious, it immediately brightens the room and leaves a lasting impact.
“What I enjoy most about volunteering is learning to see beauty in the little and mundane things. As a university student, my life is often hectic assignments, classes, work, and extracurriculars, but every time I walk through the doors at St.Amant, I feel a sense of peace. Whether I’m going for a walk, reading a book, playing a board game, riding bikes, or watching a movie in the gym, I’m reminded how special it is to simply be present. Volunteering has helped me to slow down and truly connect. It’s in those ordinary moments sharing a laugh or listening to someone’s story that I find the most meaning.
I’ve made so many meaningful memories at St.Amant with the people supported, fellow volunteers, and the wonderful volunteer team. Two moments stand out to me. The first was during a Novena prayer when I found out it was Rhonda’s birthday. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to her, and her face lit up with pure joy. She was ecstatic, beaming with happiness. Later, as I was escorting her to her room, I kept singing the birthday song, and she giggled with excitement. That moment made me want to spend even more time with her. Before dropping her off with the nurses, I sang to her once more. Her happiness was infectious.
Another special memory happened more recently during a respite shift with Aaron. We were making a ladybug craft and chatting and he told me about the stethoscope he always carries and how he wants to be a doctor. Towards the end of our shift, another volunteer brought in a cute support dog. I watched as Aaron, hesitant and a bit scared at first, slowly reached out. With a bit of encouragement, he bravely pet the dog and eventually held its leash. Walking the dog through the lunch area with him felt like witnessing a small but powerful moment of courage.
It may sound cliché, but I keep coming back because of the people. The staff, nurses, fellow volunteers; everyone is so kind, welcoming, and supportive. It’s a beautiful community. But more than anything, I love spending time with the people supported by St.Amant. Each person has their own unique personality, interests, and quirks. I learn something new with every interaction. It’s a privilege to share time, stories, and laughter with them.
If you’re considering volunteering at St.Amant, go for it… you definitely won’t regret it! The volunteer schedule is flexible and works around your availability. You get to spend quality time with amazing individuals and be a part of a kind-hearted, supportive community. More importantly, the experience is what you make of it. If you come in with an open heart and a willingness to connect, the time you spend here can be deeply meaningful not just for the people supported by St.Amant, but for you too. It’s not just volunteering; it’s building relationships and making memories.”
Bunmi, thank you for being a guiding light in our volunteer family. Your contributions reach far beyond the hours you give, they touch hearts, build connections, and create community.
Please visit our Volunteer page if you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about our Volunteer Services.
