For patients and families arriving at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), a friendly greeting can truly make a difference. Whether it’s guiding someone through the hospital, offering comfort before an appointment, or simply chatting in their own language, volunteers are often the first faces they encounter.
This week, five of these volunteers were honored at the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, a provincial recognition celebrating individuals who have dedicated many years of service to one organization.
One of those recognized is Kid Tauchid, whose two decades of service have made him one of KHSC’s most well-known and appreciated volunteers.
At 92 years old now, Kid can still be seen welcoming visitors at the Burr 0 Information Desk, assisting patients as they navigate the hospital and lending a hand wherever he can. But over the last twenty years, his volunteer journey has extended far beyond just one role. In addition to working at the information desk, he has supported Patient Relations, the cardiac program, mental health services, the Cancer Centre and even helped facilitate virtual family visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I tend to say yes to just about everything,” Kid said. “If I have time, I will do it.”
For Kid, volunteering isn’t just about filling his retirement days. After a career that took him around the globe with the United Nations, he returned to Canada eager to keep helping others.
“I always wanted to do something for the community,” he said. “I think there’s nothing more rewarding.”
This mindset has influenced every interaction he’s had at KHSC. Having lived and worked in various communities across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, Kid speaks multiple languages. He often surprises patients by greeting them in their own language and pronouncing their names correctly.
“Suddenly it changes the mood,” he said. “They’re not just a patient – they’re a person again.”
His kindness goes beyond conversation. During the pandemic when families couldn’t visit loved ones in hospitals, Kid volunteered to help connect patients with family members through video calls so they could see each other during some really tough times.
For Lynda Laird, manager of Volunteer Services, Kid’s influence can’t be measured by hours alone.
“For two decades, Kid has been a familiar and reassuring presence throughout KGH. His warmth, multilingual abilities and genuine desire to help others have touched thousands of patients, visitors and staff. The impact of his nearly 7,000 hours of service extends far beyond the time he has given – it lives on in the people he has helped and the welcome he has created for our community.”
Kid believes volunteering is about more than just giving time – it’s about choosing to stay connected.
“You have to have it in your heart,” he said. “Do something for the community. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning.”
This spirit shines through in every volunteer being recognized this year. In total, 14 volunteers were nominated for awards; among those recognized are:
J. P. Morales for four years of service Judith Gould for 15 years of service Cheryl Turner and Brenda Bartlett for 20 years of service
Together these volunteers have supported patients and families through countless moments filled with uncertainty as well as celebration and healing. Their roles may vary but they all share one goal – making KHSC a kinder place for everyone who walks through its doors.
“At KHSC we are proud to celebrate volunteers whose years of dedicated service have made a meaningful difference in the lives of patients , families , visitors , and staff,” said Laird. “Being able to nominate volunteers each year for Ontario Volunteer Service Awards gives us an opportunity to recognize their extraordinary commitment , compassion , and generosity towards our organization. These awards honor individual milestones while also celebrating how essential volunteers are in strengthening healthcare as well as our communities.”
As for Kid , who recently celebrated turning 92 , retirement from volunteering isn’t part of his plan.
“As long as I can move,” he said , “you’ll see me somewhere.”
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