Hospice of Orleans honors volunteers for support of agency

Provided photos: Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist for Hospice of Orleans, presents awards to Ike Burr, left, and Linda Chrzan.

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans County

LYNDONVILLE – Annually, Hospice of Orleans honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week by hosting a luncheon. This year’s event was held at White Birch in Lyndonville and volunteers were acknowledged for their time spent with the organization.

Linda Chrzan was recognized for 30 years of service. Linda’s work on hospice’s golf tournament over the years has been invaluable to the organization and she continues to offer unique insight to improve the event.

Another golf committee member and volunteer, Ike Burr, was honored prior to the event with an “Above Par” Award as he was unable to attend. Ike has stepped down from tournament planning after many years and wished continued success to the organization’s event.

Brittany Dix presents “Volunteer of the Year” awards to Jim Pratt, left, and Kathy Babbitt, right.

This year’s Volunteer of the Year was awarded by Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist, to a “dynamic duo” – Jim Pratt and Kathy Babbitt.

“Whether at a table in the community or in conversation with potential donors, the advocacy for our organization in these interactions and conversations is enthusiastic and heartfelt,” Dix said.

While Mr. Pratt could not attend the luncheon and was awarded ahead of time, unbeknownst to Kathy, both recipients echoed that there must have been other, more deserving, candidates for the award. The humility of this sentiment is a truly valuable characteristic in anyone, but especially a volunteer.

“Jim & Kathy are simply happy to help. If challenges at any time arise, they engage in dialogue and are happy to seek solutions. Each of them is fantastic people to have working with us, together they complement each other in the best way,” Dix said.

Hospice of Orleans extends thanks to all of our incredible volunteers and is currently welcoming new volunteers in all areas of service, but is especially seeking direct-care volunteers as the number of patients served continues to grow.

“Our mission is so tenderly carried out at times that are most often wrought with stress and isolation. That anyone would choose to step into those moments is profound,” Dix stated.

To learn more, please call (585) 589-0809 or visit www.hospiceoforleans.org/volunteer.