My journey 

Almost three decades ago I was a nineteen year old university student looking for something to support my medical school application. As I leafed through the Mississauga News I found a full page ad by Hospice of Peel asking for volunteers to sit with those travelling the journey of a life-limiting illness in their homes. In that moment the words on the page resonated with a calling within me that has carried me to this very day. I feel privileged, honoured, and humbled by that I've experienced in this, in my opinion, the most sacred of vocations. 

For nineteen years I volunteered as an in-home visiting volunteer, with what is now known as Heart House Hospice. The experience has been life-changing and defining. Hearing people's stories, as well as their most intimate feelings about their living and dying, left an indelible imprint on how I engaged my life. 

Following my volunteer tenure I have been fortunate to have served with such esteemed organizations and within such positions as the following:

In chronological order:  

Hospice of Peel/Heart House Hospice - In-Home Hospice Volunteer

Special Events Coordinator - Hospice of Peel/Heart House Hospice

June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers - 2005

Mississauga Civic Award of Recognition - 2005

Residential Volunteer Coordinator - Hospice Simcoe

Coordinator of Recruitment and Training - Heart House Hospice/The Dorothy Ley Hospice/Acclaim Health

Director of Community and Volunteer Services - The Dorothy Ley Hospice

Outreach Coordinator - The Healing Cycle

Guest Speaker - University of Toronto, School of Music, Palliative Care

Consultant Trainer, Hospice Volunteer Training - Carpenter Hospice

Consultant Trainer, Hospice Volunteer Training - Bethell Hospice

Consultant Trainer, Hospice Volunteer Training - Ian Anderson House

Bereavement Peer Support Volunteer Trainer - Acclaim Health

Accreditation Peer Reviewer - Hospice Palliative Care Ontario

Online Hospice Volunteer Training Development - Hospice Palliative Care Ontario

Consultant, PCU/Hospice Staff Development - Trinidad and Tobago Palliative Care Society: Caura, Trinidad

Director of Community and Volunteer Services - Hospice Wellington

Consultant, Hospice Staff and Volunteer Education - St. Joseph's Hospice Sarnia Lambton

Consultant, Staff Education and Team Building - Margaret Bahen Hospice

Consultant, Erie St. Claire LHIN - Volunteer Coordinator Education

Palcare Instructor - BetterLiving Health and Community Services

Manager, Volunteer Services Hospice Residence for the Homeless - Hospice Toronto, Journey Home Hospice

Multicultural Outreach Coordinator - Lighthouse for Grieving Children

Case Manager - Kensington Health 

A Heartfelt Thank You!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many wonderful people for their support, advocacy, and love in the honour of sharing this incredible journey. My work moving forward is to share all that I've learned in the hopes we can continue to learn and grow, as people, as a community and as a movement. 

Warmest Regards,

Rami