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Helpers: Need to find your way at Health Sciences North? Let Alain Landry be your compass

‘I put in a lot of steps, but it’s worth it’
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Alain Landry loves his volunteer work at a greeter and wayfinder at Health Sciences North.

Born in Espanola, and a resident of Sudbury for 29 years, Alain Landry loves to support his community.  Being a huge hockey fanatic, he cheers for the Toronto Maple Leafs and locally, our Sudbury Wolves.

Landry has been a volunteer at Health Sciences North (HSN) since September 2014.  He decided to give volunteering a try when he wasn’t working and was looking for something to do. It was his older sister who suggested he try Health Sciences North, as she knew volunteers were needed.

“Being a greeter is fun. I greet people when they come in and help them to their appointments.  I pick people up from other areas, call and work dispatch, too. I also volunteer at the info desk in the Cancer Centre.”

Volunteering at least a few, three-hour shifts per week, Landry has contributed more than 1,400 hours as a greeter.  He sees quiet and busy times at Health Sciences North.  

“When it’s busy, it’s quite busy. You’re going.”

Landry helps approximately 500 out-patients/visitors per day with wayfinding. It is a kind, compassionate person who can help this many HSN guests find their way in a day.  

He said he gets a sense of accomplishment doing something that is helping the community of Sudbury. 

“It helps to have someone show the way. Others I have helped say, ‘Thank you. I don’t know where I’m going. You must put in a lot of steps!’ I put in a lot of steps, but it’s worth it.”

While Landry helps others, he also recognizes the personal benefits to volunteering.

“I have a fulfilling sense of pride. I enjoy doing something where I see people I know and get to meet new people. I’ve made great friends. The leaders in Volunteer Services are amazing, incredible, nice and kind. I love and enjoy what I do.”

Landry is valued and respected among his team and personnel. His kind, compassionate nature, willingness to help, and sense of humour make the hospital visit easier on patients and visitors.

“Volunteering, helping others that need help, gives an incredible sense of accomplishment. It is good to hear feedback,” Landry said. “There are a lot of volunteers around and it’s a great environment. People are thankful for us and we’re glad to be there to help them. I feel happy (and) I feel I’ve done a good deed for myself and for the community.”

Alain Landry’s Words of Volunteer Wisdom

"If you have free time, a couple hours in your day, call (Health Sciences North) Volunteer Services and ask for an application. It is fulfillment for yourself and the hospital you’re helping. Try it. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it. But try. Volunteering is incredible! It is a nice, fun way to get to talk and meet people."

Erin Medakovic is a freelance writer and editor in Sudbury, and a Sudbury.com contributor. Helpers is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.


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