Meet Brenda Barrett, Cardiac Rehab and Archive Volunteer

For 15 years, Brenda Barrett has volunteered across Women’s College Hospital, guiding cardiac rehab patients through recovery as well as helping preserve the hospital’s rich history through archival work. In this conversation, she shares what drew her to WCH, the moments that have stayed with her and why she believes there’s no better place to give your time.

What first drew you to volunteering at WCH, and what has kept you coming back year after year?

My time at Women’s College Hospital began 15 years ago. I was searching for a volunteer position and found a notice for volunteers at the Information Desk at Women’s. I reached out to a friend, Jennifer Price, who worked at WCH. At the time, she was the Nurse Practitioner with the Cardiac Rehab Program. She invited me to volunteer in her program. The rest is history, as they say.

As an exercise leader in the Cardio Rehab program, you work with patients who are navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives. What does it mean to you to be part of their recovery journey?

Being an exercise leader in the Cardiac Rehab Program at Women’s has been an incredible experience. I have met women from diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Our patients are in the program for three to six months, twice a week and as such, we have the opportunity to get to know them quite well. My role is to assist and guide our participants as they use the exercise equipment. I am also a safe person for them to chat with while they are spending time on the machines. If their questions become too medical, I guide them to the Cardiac Rehab staff. It has been heartwarming to witness their journeys as the patients learn to trust their bodies once again.

Your volunteer work spans two very different areas: the faster pace of Cardio Rehab and the detail-oriented world of the archives. What do you enjoy about each role and how do you think these two experiences complement each other?

Working with Heather Gardiner, WCH’s archivist, is often filled with surprises. I never know what my tasks will be when I am with her. For example, I help Heather create displays in the glass cabinets around the hospital. We are often asked to create lunchtime displays in the atrium, honouring historical moments of the hospital. I will sit with her and help answer questions about the displays and the hospital’s history. A couple times a year, I also help her create a newsletter for the Women’s Nursing Alumnae with historical information and Nursing Alumnae events.

My role also involves helping Heather with hospital tours on special occasions like Take Your Kids to Work Day. I recently assisted Heather with an archival display at the Women for Women’s event last month.

In summing up my roles at Women’s, my role in the Cardiac Rehab Program is more social as I help the women reach their exercise goals. Working with Heather in the archives gives me an opportunity to use my creative skills. It’s a wonderful mix.

What has been the highlight of your time volunteering in the archives?

My first project with Heather was helping create a hard cover yearbook for The Nursing Alumnae celebrating their 100th anniversary. This was a lot of work but so worth every moment. It was an incredible evening being in the room as they opened their books. It was a magical moment I’ll never forget.

For anyone considering volunteering at WCH, what would you say to inspire them to take that first step?

Volunteers are highly respected at Women’s College Hospital. Our time volunteering is documented. We have monthly luncheons and other special events throughout the year. I have spent most of my adult life volunteering in various places and my time at WCH has felt special. I have also recruited volunteers for the hospital. And why not? It’s a wonderful place to volunteer. We are always treated as part of the team at Women’s College Hospital.

I am forever grateful that I found such an incredible place to volunteer.