Louise has become an integral part of daily life at Maison St-Raphaël. Some people might be surprised to learn that her portrait had not been written yet! Louise has been volunteering here since January 2020. At the time, she still had a part-time job. While listening to the radio, she heard Valérie, the former volunteer engagement coordinator, talk about the essential role of volunteers in an interview, and it really resonated with her. A few days later, she came to meet Valérie and began her involvement.
On Tuesdays at Maison St-Raphaël, even if you try, you simply can’t miss Louise. She is everywhere, across all three floors. She helps prepare and run the musical café at the Day Centre until early afternoon, then continues her day on the third floor, where she is involved in conducting surveys with bereaved individuals. At the end of the day, she joins the Care Unit to continue her work with the residents. Outside of this weekly schedule, Louise is always available and regularly adds one or two extra shifts, lending a hand wherever needed, whether at the reception, in the laundry room, or in other areas. Before that, Louise built a career as an administrative assistant in various sectors, including the healthcare sector and international cooperation organizations.
Toward the end of her professional career, she became more involved in this field, alternating between paid work and volunteer work. This period also marked the beginning of her volunteer work. During her academic career, she explored several fields in college, including accounting, philosophy, and English. She also completed a certificate in international cooperation at Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup. Driven by a desire to go further, she pursued university studies in this field at the University of Montreal, an experience that lasted three semesters and which she particularly enjoyed.
At Maison St-Raphaël, Louise is, as mentioned, a very versatile volunteer who is regularly seen on different floors. She is involved in administrative tasks as well as in the Care Unit and the Day Center. She helps manage files, organize, and digitize documents, while also spending time with patients and their loved ones. She is also a member of the Maison St-Raphaël inclusion committee. Always ready to lend a hand, it is not uncommon to see her show up to support special activities.
What she enjoys most about her involvement is the human connection. Being with patients, talking with them, and supporting their loved ones are all central to her role. She pays special attention to family caregivers, who often tend to forget themselves. She takes the time to remind them of the importance of taking care of themselves and of knowing what resources are available, particularly those offered by the Day Center. She is also involved in supporting those who are grieving, checking in on them and reminding them that they can continue to receive support.
Among the works that have left a strong impression on her, the film “ Il pleuvait des oiseaux ” holds a special place. She remembers the light that emanates from it, the depth of the exchanges between the characters, as well as the importance of human connection, complicity, and mutual support. For her, the story also serves as a reminder of the importance of not going through end-of-life moments in isolation.
Beyond her involvement at Maison St-Raphaël, Louise has a true passion for travel. She sees it as an opportunity to discover, meet people, and have experiences that go beyond the everyday. If she could have a superpower, it would be to bring more peace, both in Quebec and elsewhere in the world. Sensitive to social issues, she hopes for a more egalitarian society, with less violence and more respect, where women and men see each other as equals and complementary.
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