April 20, 2026
Did you know that over the past year, 553 volunteers shared their time and talents across 57 activities and programs at St.Amant? Each hour, each connection, and each act of kindness helps build a stronger, more inclusive community for the people we support. Their work is rooted in compassion and care, offering comfort without expectation, connection without condition, and kindness that quietly changes lives.
2026 is an exciting year for the volunteer community: The United Nations General Assembly named this year the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development and Volunteer Canada is celebrating by championing the stories of volunteers, Igniting Volunteerism across the country.
In honour of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), we will be sharing some words from the volunteers who donate their time to make St.Amant such a special place.
Louise Dahle has been volunteering at St.Amant for 15 years. Louise, you’ve walked a path few choose: one of compassion, dedication, and quiet magic. Your impact has been profound, shaping the story for everyone around you.
I have been volunteering at St.Amant since May, 2010. Growing up in the neighbourhood, I worked at St.Amant during high school and after graduation, as did many people in the area. I left St.Amant after a few years, married, and left the neighbourhood. After my retirement and moving back to the neighbourhood, I heard that St.Amant was looking for volunteers, especially adults and those who could volunteer during the day. Watching the community news interview with the St.Amant employee, I thought “I could do that!”. On my first day volunteering, as Tracy was showing me around the building, I felt that I was back home.
I have done many activities during my volunteer years at St.Amant – walking, walkers, bike rides, pharmacy help, baby cuddling, crafts, special events and outings. I have enjoyed all the activities that I have done. It is so heartwarming to walk into the room and see the person’s face light up when they see you, or recognize your voice. I was the first baby cuddler in St.Amant. I spent much time cuddling with a young girl, rocking her, talking with her, singing to her…then COVID hit. We transitioned to virtual visits on the iPads reading little stories, until she moved back home. Then I started virtual visits with another young lady, reading books to her. I still visit with her virtually one morning each week and we have read several chapter books over the years. After COVID ended and volunteers were able to return to the building, I came back to volunteer in the pharmacy. At the time we were babysitting our baby grandson, and I wanted to keep my contacts to a minimum, as I didn’t want to jeopardize his health. Arrangements were made for me to volunteer in the pharmacy, as there were fewer contacts. I still volunteer in the pharmacy one morning each week.
I still enjoy volunteering at St.Amant after all these years. It is a joy to walk into the building and see all the friendly people. I always tell people how much I like volunteering at St.Amant, right up until last month. I was talking with a lady who lives in the neighbourhood and is thinking of retiring. She doesn’t know what she will do in her retirement. I told her that St.Amant is a great, heartwarming place to volunteer, and it is within walking distance of her home.
Louise, thank you for being such an important part of our volunteer family. Your contributions reach far beyond the hours you give, your dedication and care is an inspiration to all!
