That promise was made as he was being wheeled into the operating room for colon cancer surgery. “If my time here is up, I’m happy,” he told God. “But if you want me to live, please make this surgery successful and I promise to do good work and serve the community.” Within two months, Jeff called the Edmonton General and applied to be a volunteer. Since March 2003, he’s been volunteering three days a week and has contributed over 700 hours.

Jeff is one of over 1,150 volunteers who contribute almost 120,000 hours each year to Caritas. Volunteers from every walk of life and age group give of their time and energy to help create a nurturing, healing environment for the people we serve. They offer their skills and experience to cuddle babies, greet patients, visit residents, work in the gift shops, make music and so much more.

For Jeff, the fulfillment comes from a sense of connecting with people. “I know there are so many people who are lonely. I sit down and have face-to-face conversations with people.” And that’s not all Jeff does—he also helps residents with their meals, takes them to appointments and lends a hand with bowling, bingo and other activities.

“I recognize that one day I might be the one in that chair,” he says. “I feel good about my contributions and hope that when the time comes, there will be a kind face sitting across from me.”