Volunteers
"There is no substitue for that magical moment when we make meaningful connections with patients, family members and caregivers." Ruth Trueman, Volunteer Coordinator

Art à la Carte has grown exponentially over the past 15 years because of the heart and soul of its incredible volunteers. Whether it is at the bedside, donating products or services, helping others to learn about the program or participiating in special events, there are many ways for you to become involved.

HOW YOU CAN HELP...

Become a volunteer – Deliver art to patients, participate in special events, help others to learn about the program.

Donate products – framing, artwork, photography, prizes and goods for special events.

Our wonderful hospital volunteers (Image by Alojz Spehar)

Donate services – printing, office and business management, marketing, travel expenses, artistry.

Offer financial support – make a tax-deductible contribution, become a corporate sponsor, contribute towards matching gifts programs, donate prizes and goods for special events.

Click here to submit a testimonial to our website –

Help to promote program expansion locally and worldwide.

If you want to volunteer in any of these ways or would like more personalized information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Ruth Trueman, whose letter of introduction appears below.

Phone:(403)252-7239 Email:

Greetings from Volunteer Coordinator, Ruth Trueman:

I would like to welcome you to the wonderful and gratifying experience of being a volunteer with Art à La Carte.

Becoming a volunteer generally involves the following steps:

1. An informal interview with a Coordinator in Volunteer Resources. 2. A security check. This will be handled by Volunteer Resources. You will be asked to provide two government issued pieces of identification. One must be a photo ID. The following pieces will be accepted: Driver’s licence Current passport or Permanent Resident card Social Security card Alberta Health Care card 3. Current immunization record. 4. An orientation session, held in the Main Auditorium of the Tom Baker Cancer Center. This will include a presentation of Confidentiality issues. You will be asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement at the time. 5. Two letters of reference.

When your information has been processed satisfactorily, I will arrange for you to do a “shadow” run with me. This will give you a sense of the work we do at the bedside. And if you find the volunteer fit is comfortable, the next step will be to fold you into our schedule on a regular basis. We visit the patients each week, on Wednesday, meeting in the Volunteer Resources Office at about 12:30. There are always two volunteers on each run.

The day of your first run, I will take you to the Parking Authority for a photograph for your Identification badge.

You will be introduced to all aspects of the program gently and slowly, so you feel only at home with it, the other volunteers, staff, patients and the hospital setting.

If you are not able to come, please be in touch with me by phone or email. If you cannot contact me, call VRO at 403-944-1336, and your message will be forwarded.

Attached is a document called “Hygeine Measures for Units 47 and 57” for your review. This refers to the steps we take on the units to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

All of these measures will be explained thoroughly as we visit. While they may seem overwhelming to begin with, they become a matter of routine in a short time and are most manageable.

We very much appreciate your interest in the program. Through the use of our images, we make meaningful connections with patients, caregivers, family members – sometimes all of them. When this happens, there is no substitute for that magical moment, and you will leave the hospital with your spirits soaring!