Volunteer Spotlight: Agnes Chan and Peter Phillips

Agnes Chan and Peter Phillips

Agnes was an elementary school teacher in Hong Kong when she decided to come to Canada in 1975. Once settled, Agnes began a new career, joining the team at TD Bank. Being trilingual, speaking English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, gave Agnes the opportunity to provide optimal customer service to her clients for more than 25 years.

In 2003, Agnes retired from the bank and joined the Volunteer Program at NYGH. Agnes said, “I decided to volunteer at NYGH because it was my family’s community hospital, and we had always received great care here.”

Agnes has been supporting the Medical Imaging, Ultrasound unit for almost 20 years. She is responsible for helping with patient flow before and after appointments, as well as replenishing stock and supplies. Agnes shared, “I really enjoy helping the patients, ensuring they have the best experience possible under the circumstances. And when I arrive for my shift each week, the staff make me feel so welcomed – NYGH has become part of my family!”

In 2005, Agnes’s husband Peter retired from Petro Canada. Agnes encouraged Peter to join the Volunteer Program too – and we are so glad he did! For many years Peter supported the lottery sales in the Gift Shop. Peter said, “Though I am sad to see the Gift Shop close, I welcomed the opportunity to explore other volunteer roles that would allow Agnes and I to volunteer at the same time, and to be able to continue to support the hospital.”

Peter generously accepted a volunteer placement as an Ambassador at the General site. The Ambassador Program welcomes patients, their families, visitors, and community members to the hospital, and helps them to navigate the facility. Ambassadors like Peter create a caring, compassionate environment while ensuring consistent service excellence. Peter shares, “As an Ambassador, I simplify the hospital experience for patients and families. Given that there are so many units and clinics, the building can be overwhelming, and I am always happy to help!”

Agnes and Peter, thank you for ensuring that people come first in everything you do!