Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital honors 2 volunteers
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital honored volunteers Irene Oliver of Lake Bluff and Jeanne Remaley of Lake Forest for their long-standing dedication to patients, doctors and staff.
“Volunteers play an integral role in helping us to fulfill our mission,” said Thomas J. McAfee, president of the hospital. “Through the warmth and empathy they show every time they set foot in this hospital, Irene and Jeanne exemplify our commitment to compassionate care.”
Oliver received the Pauline C. Christie Award. She has served the hospital for nearly 16 years, spending more than 2,200 hours at the hospital escorting patients and families, delivering flowers and cards and providing support at the front desk.
“I love helping put people at ease when they come to the hospital,” Oliver said. “Just chatting with patients helps calm their nerves. I feel very fulfilled when I can help like that.”
The annual award was started 25 years ago by Women’s Board member Pauline C. Christie, who began her work with the hospital in the 1950s. The Pauline C. Christie award stands as a symbol of community members coming together to give back to their hospital.
Also recognized for her service to the hospital was Remaley, who received a Lake County Cares “I Care Award,”
Remaley has given more than 9,500 hours of service to the hospital over nearly half a century, beginning as a volunteer in the then-combined coffee and gift shop 48 years ago.
Remaley now spends her time helping out wherever she can by delivering flowers, showing patients to their rooms and directing families to their loved ones. She is a current member of the Women’s Board at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and has served as its volunteer chairman.
“The most fun part of volunteering is working with all of the other people here,” Remaley said. “The employees, the staff, the patients — they’re all so great. I’ve met many of my closest friends here over the past 48 years.”
The “I Care Awards” are sponsored by Lake County Cares, an organization that matches volunteers with local organizations. The awards have honored 47 local individuals in the last four years for their exceptional commitments to volunteerism.
The hospital benefits from the dedicated service of 409 volunteers. In 2011 alone, volunteers donated 35,128 hours of service. Since 1951, hospital volunteers have logged 593,672 service hours.
Visitlfh.org/volunteering_opportunities to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.