National Volunteer Week spotlight: Retired educator brings compassionate touch to Yarmouth Regional Hospital as volunteer

After a rewarding 35-year career in education, one former teacher has found a new calling in volunteering at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital, where she dedicates her time to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.

“I retired from education in 2009 after spending years as a classroom teacher, principal, union president, and the Race Relations Cross-Cultural Understanding & Human Rights Coordinator. But after a while, I realized I was too distant from the people I was trying to help,” says Jude Fulton, a retired educator and current volunteer with Nova Scotia Health.

Her desire to connect more directly with people led her to volunteer. "I was on too many boards, but I wanted to feel like I was directly helping someone. Sitting on a board is great, but I wanted to be involved on the ground level," she explains.

That desire became a reality when she began volunteering in September 2023. Since then, she has dedicated over 100 hours to helping others, with a specific focus on the Cancer Centre at Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

Each week, Jude spends a morning in the Centre, offering support to patients and caregivers. Her duties are varied and include welcoming individuals as they arrive, offering them a warm drink, a snack, or a comforting blanket. Some patients want to chat, while others prefer solitude — but no matter the request, she is there to lend a compassionate ear or a helping hand.

“The feedback is overwhelmingly positive,” she says. “People may be surprised to know that the Cancer Centre is actually a very positive environment. We provide a space where people can feel at ease during an incredibly challenging time.”

What she enjoys most about her role, she says, is the opportunity to interact with others. Whether it's patients, family members, or the hospital staff, the personal connections bring her a sense of fulfillment.

"I feel like part of the team, even though my role is just a few hours a week," Jude says. "Sometimes I wash dishes or help file when staff is short. But whatever I do, it’s about making sure that everyone can do their job better and that the patients feel cared for."

Her volunteer work, she believes, is crucial in helping ease some of the strain on the healthcare system.

“I have the time and the ability to give back, and I’m a people person. It just feels good to know you are contributing in some way to the health and well-being of Nova Scotians."

For Jude, the transition from educator to volunteer was a natural one. She believes that fellow retired teachers have a lot to offer when it comes to volunteering, especially in healthcare settings.

“We have the skills to assess the needs of individuals,” she says. “We know how to focus on the person in front of us, to understand their non-verbal cues, and to offer support in a way that is meaningful.”

Her advice for other retired educators is simple: “There are so many opportunities to volunteer, and the experience is incredibly rewarding. Even just a few hours a week can make a huge difference. Life without volunteers would be much harder, and we can all contribute in ways that matter.”

As for her own volunteer journey, Jude is committed to continuing her work as long as she is able. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can."

Her story serves as a reminder that retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from making a difference. Instead, for Jude, it’s an opportunity to embrace new ways to help others in need.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Nova Scotia Health, learn more here www.nshealth.ca/volunteer.

Photo of Nova Scotia Health volunteer Jude Fulton.