Corinne Gagne has devoted her entire career to helping people – but how she’s doing it now is dramatically different than even just one year ago.
This January, the Sudbury native retired from the Greater Sudbury Police Services after 25 years in law enforcement. A few weeks ago, she started as the new coordinator of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto Family Room at Health Sciences North.
“Over the years, I’ve chased bad guys, investigated serious crimes and reached out to support women working the streets,” said the former police sergeant. “As I got further into my career, I was drawn to the softer touch, rather than being the heavy.”
As coordinator of the RMHC Toronto Family Room at HSN, Corinne’s role is to provide a welcoming and comforting environment so parents of sick children can rest and recharge while remaining just steps away from their child’s bedside.
Corinne will also be the liaison between RMHC Toronto and Health Sciences North and take leadership in recruiting and supporting the volunteers who help ensure the Family Room stays open for families every day from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., 365 days a year.
Research shows that parents who stay close to their ill children are able to be more involved in clinical decision making and care and have more positive hospital experiences.
Corinne’s attraction to the softer side of supporting families comes from some profound personal experiences as well as her history in policing.
Her nine-year-old son, Beckham, has a rare genetic movement disorder that was not diagnosed until he was almost 15 months old. She and her husband spent many days in hospitals while doctors struggled to diagnose his condition.
“When my son was in the hospital, I needed a breather sometimes, but I didn’t want to go far. The Family Room offers that. It’s a break, and then back to the bedside, refreshed. It makes a big difference for families," said Gagne.
Corinne’s career shift is not one she could have predicted. However, in the lead-up to her retirement, she had started volunteering at the Family Room. She was one of close to 50 dedicated volunteers who contribute an average of three hours per week, supporting families with children in the NEO Kids paediatrics and neonatal intensive care units at HSN.
And when the full-time position came up, it was an opportunity she couldn’t let pass by. A busy and energetic professional, Corinne will also continue to pursue her work in real estate.
The Family Room at HSN is one of seven in-hospital Family Rooms operated by RMHC Toronto as part of our mission to keep families of sick children together and close to the care they need.
It includes a kitchenette stocked with snacks and beverages, a relaxing fireplace lounge with TVs, and two rest and respite areas, with a total of six recliners, where families can nap and sleep.
The Family Room at HSN has supported more than 200 families since it first opened in December 2016.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit www.rmhctoronto.ca/volunteer.
