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Donna Hansby’s journey to volunteering with Burnaby Hospice Society began years ago, during a visit to a friend in hospice care in Prince George. She remembers how the volunteers there stood out—not just for what they did, but for how they did it: with kindness and without judgment. It left such a lasting impression that she told herself, “That’s what I want to do when I retire.” She didn’t wait—Donna began her training before retirement even arrived.

Volunteering at the hospice has become a grounding part of Donna’s life. It offers a quiet contrast to the busyness of day-to-day living. “My time at hospice is a time to focus on others,” she shares, “not the everyday hurried life with all of the external demands that come with it.” What keeps her going is the deep belief that even the smallest act can mean everything to someone at the end of their life. Whether it’s holding a hand, offering a family member a warm cup of coffee, feeding a patient, or giving a tour of the facility, Donna knows it all matters. “The smallest act can make a big difference,” she says.

For anyone thinking about volunteering, Donna encourages them to take the leap. “You might not know what gift you can bring to others… whether you volunteer at the thrift store, in the community, at the hospital, or at St. Mike’s Hospice. An added bonus is the other volunteers, with whom we laugh and become friends,” she says.

Some of the moments that stay with Donna are the simplest. Like when a patient takes a sip of tea and says it’s “just wonderful.” Taking the time to fuss over the small things—getting the tea or coffee just right—brings comfort in a moment that might otherwise feel uncertain or lonely. For Donna, it’s a quiet way to ease someone’s journey, and that makes all the difference.

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By Marketing and Communications, Burnaby Hospice Society