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Nursing home volunteer 'priceless'

In a time of such turmoil it is nice to hear about someone who is doing something good for a change. Three years ago a big burly man walked into Extendicare York to bring his father to live there. This is a difficult decision for a family to make.
In a time of such turmoil it is nice to hear about someone who is doing something good for a change.

Three years ago a big burly man walked into Extendicare York to bring his father to live there. This is a difficult decision for a family to make. Jim Philp presented his father to us and told us we should address his father as "The Old Goat."

We were all in shock, how could we possibility call this nice man an old goat.

Jim explained it was a nick name and a term of endearment. Jim's dad was with us for over a year. During that time Jim became a permanent fixture on our unit. Not only did he spend all his free time with his father, but he always made a point of talking to the other residents on the unit. The residents would smile when he came in and enjoyed his visits.

When Jim's father passed away, Jim told us he wanted to give back to the residents and staff some of what his father received when he was with us. Jim became a volunteer on our unit. An Angel of Mercy.

Jim retired from Inco after 31 years of service and from that day he has not stopped. If he is not on our unit helping out with the meals and spending time talking to the residents, he is out in the community helping neighbours. His only fault is that sometimes he has a hard time saying no.

Jim also spends a great deal of time volunteering on the palliative care services. We are very thankful each and every day for Jim. We often tell him the reason he doesn't get paid for his work is that he is priceless. And this is true.

Families and staff
Extendicare York
Sudbury