National Volunteer Week

Connie Carson, ONTARIO

"When women attend our workshops we help them to feel safe, find a sense of belonging, gain confidence and a positive attitude - this not only helps them but also their family and friends who share in cancer journey.  

I can recall many wonderful memories at the workshops. One in particular is of an elderly woman in wheelchair who was dropped off at our workshop by her husband. Treatment had been hard on her. At the end of the workshop when he picked her up and she was smiling and glowing - I will never forget the look on his face. He was so grateful that his wife was smiling again. It was a beautiful moment to be part of."

Darlene Olsen, SASKATCHEWAN

"I have volunteered for over 21 years and really believe the LGFB program is an opportunity for women with cancer, who are dealing with treatment and all the appointments, to take a couple of hours just for themselves! I work with a team of amazing volunteers and all we want is to make the women in attendance feel extra special – of course this is not without lots of smiles and giggles! 

For those who are interested in becoming a volunteer, if you are a compassionate person who enjoys helping others, volunteering with LGFB is a very rewarding experience!"

ROBYN TROTT, ONTARIO

"I am proud to volunteer with LGFB, lifting my community, by showing women with cancer that there is so much support available out there. Our workshops foster the best sense of community ever - women supporting other women when they need it the most.

Volunteering in the workshops is such a rewarding way to be able to share your unique skills with women who can really benefit from expertise in the skincare, cosmetics and hair alternatives fields. We have such fun in our workshops and I truly come out of each one feeling that it was the best part of my day."

Pat Burrows, NEW BRUNSWICK

"I witness how the workshops lift our community each month. They are a welcome extension of the cancer care that is readily available for patients at The Mocton Hospital.  Our bright aprons always draw cheerful attention!

As a regular clinic volunteer as well, I have the opportunity to meet women and give them an invite to register for the workshop. As a cancer survivor myself, it's a wonderful opportunity to encourage someone during a challenging time in their life to go forward, make the best of each day and feel better by making the effort to look better on the outside - then the inner you shines too! The most joyous and rewarding part is when participants connect and share laughs with each other.

My team and I choose to volunteer because we enjoy the fellowship and heartwarming pleasure of making a difference for other women."

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Susan Wener, ONTARIO

"Over the 8 years I have been a volunteer at PMH I have had the immense pleasure of working alongside many delightful volunteers. We all seem to live our lives by very similar core values and attitudes. I consider my co-volunteers my friends and have been very much rewarded and honoured by the new relationships I have made. Not only do I look forward to meeting the women that come through our workshops, I very much look forward to catching up with all the friends I work with. 

I can’t imagine my week without donating some of my time to people who I can help perhaps in some small way. I always leave that workshop feeling great."

JOAN MICHETTI, QUEBEC

"Volunteering with LGFB has a ripple effect when it comes to giving my community a lift. By giving my time to this worthwhile program, I know that helping these women to look good also helps them to feel better. This positive impact lifts the spirits not only of workshop participants, but also transcends to their families, friends and their oncology teams. When a woman leaves our workshop saying, ‘I can’t wait to show my nurse, doctor, husband, boyfriend, sibling, child, or friend how I look,’ there’s no doubt in my mind that the spirit of the entire community gets a lift.

As a volunteer, you walk away from every workshop with a great sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that by giving a few hours of your time, you were able to put a smile on a woman's face."

Erinn Danyluk, ALBERTA

“I love volunteering with Look Good Feel Better.  When you help a woman lift her spirits, it lifts the spirits of others within her own community.  Her family, her friends, her children and partner can all see the person she is, not the temporary self that treatment invokes.  

If you are a woman thinking about volunteering, I would scream from the roof tops - DO IT!  It’s women supporting women – and we always need more of that. Volunteering is a few hours of your month that makes a difference each and every day to every woman that attends one of your workshops.”

Celia Wilson, BRITISH COLUMBIA

“LGFB is a valuable contribution to our community as it fosters the feeling of caring and sharing knowledge and support to women of all ages facing the many challenges a cancer journey presents.

Becoming a LGFB Volunteer has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. The wonderful feeling and satisfaction I receive from every workshop reaffirms my commitment to such a worthwhile program. Working with a dedicated, caring team is rewarding in so many ways. The friendships developed and knowledge shared makes me want to give back in anyway I can. A small-time commitment once a month makes such a difference in helping and supporting the women of our community during a difficult time in their lives.”

Eva Benko, ONTARIO

“I became a part of this wonderful program 20 years ago. I am very grateful for the opportunity to help women reduce their fears of the physical changes that come with cancer treatment, and to help them feel more like themselves again.

Many of the ladies who sign up as a participant do not know what they can expect from the workshop as they enter the room. Within minutes that changes. They witness their own transformation as well as each others. We share compliments and many friendships are formed. They realize that sometimes just an eyebrow, lipstick and a bit of colour on their cheeks can boost their confidence and emotional well-being.

As volunteers, we are also ambassadors of the program. I visit colleges and encourage students to consider becoming volunteers themselves. I know that they will get as much out of it as the women they help – this is how we can lift our community."

Lucienne Malach, ONTARIO

“I enjoy volunteering for LGFB. It is a joy to see women affected by cancer make friends with fellow participants and find strength from people they meet during the workshops. It is wonderful to see these powerful bonds develop over shared experiences. I love when our participants leave with a smile on their faces. LGFB sends a strong message that they are not alone in this journey.  

I am blessed to be able to work with a group of LGFB volunteers that are committed to helping women face the challenges of cancer treatment. It is a wonderful opportunity to give back.”

Patricia Rose, British Columbia

“Nineteen years ago, I had breast cancer and I was sitting in a workshop feeling scared and wondering what would happen to me. One of the LGFB volunteers told us she had cancer and had experienced hair loss. She told us not to worry because it grows back. I looked at her and she looked great. She had a cute hair do, wore nice make up and had a pretty dress on. She was exactly what I was looking for – hope.

I now share that story with the women in my workshops because I want to give them the same hope.

It’s wonderful to see how happy the women are at the workshops. Just a pop of colour brightens their faces & lifts their spirits. I’m so grateful to give back to the community by volunteering.”

Christine Piuni, ONTARIO

“Along with conducting workshops, my team and I do promotions within the community at Shoppers and The Hudson's Bay Galas and are very gratified by the support we receive from community members in the Hamilton area. Former workshop attendees and their families make it a point to come over and say thank you. We really do make a difference and in return the community seems to value us.

To someone looking to become a volunteer (and I wish there were many more of them) I say, we make a difference in women's lives, but also our own. We help women gain control of a situation where control over their lives has become fleeting. Seeing the difference in their faces, their walk, their smiles and the connections they make is very gratifying. I love it when a woman approaches me and says 'I attended one of your workshops. It was the best thing I did during my treatment.'  My new hairdresser is one of those women. After 24 years of volunteering with this program, those moments never get old.”

Sharon Robstad, SASKATCHEWAN

“Being involved with  Look Good Feel Better is such a positive, caring experience. It is a wonderful way to give back to our community, and a way to help and care for women that are going through a very difficult time in their lives.

I encourage anyone with a passion for beauty and helping others to become a Look Good Feel Better volunteer. You would truly enjoy every afternoon spend with some very special ladies. It is a wonderful feeling knowing you have made someone feel special, confident and beautiful.”

Dolores Adams, NOVA SCOTIA

"Helping women going though cancer treatment to feel like themselves again is a powerful way to help lift our community. It is so rewarding to help these women - the feeling I get inside fills my heart so much so, it's overflowing. I have learned so much from each and every workshop in the last 25 years of being a volunteer and I have grown so much myself. You will never regret being a volunteer with the Look Good Feel Better program. Being able to give back is a privilege. I am thankful this program exists, where we as volunteers can put smiles on women's faces when they need it the most."

Jennifer MacDougall, BRITISH COLUMBIA

“The LGFB program is such an important resource for women in our community who are facing cancer. Not only does it help to give women the techniques and tools to feel beautiful and feel more like themselves, but it's a wonderful way to connect and share with other women who are facing similar situations. I believe that it is so important to have the opportunity to talk with people who truly understand your fears and concerns and can relate to the way you are feeling. I love that I can be a positive part of that experience by providing a friendly face and a compassionate heart. I look forward to the workshops each month so I can meet these amazing women and make them feel special with a couple hours of fun and pampering.”

Erika Ellis, ALBERTA

“I've had the opportunity over the years to share Look Good Feel Better with many organizations. This has brought more awareness to the benefits of the program for the women who are going through cancer in our community – it is my way of giving back.

For anyone thinking about becoming a volunteer for Look Good Feel Better, I would encourage you to "Take the Step".  You will be joining a team of caring and talented individuals, who are  dedicated to helping women with cancer to look and feel like themselves again.  As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to share your cosmetic expertise and help make a positive difference to the women you help!  To be of service and help women in your community, is a reward that is special and fulfilling.”

Pamela Mitchell, ONTARIO

"A meaningful memory of mine is of of a young woman attending a workshop. She was in her 20's, very reserved and visibly upset. When she arrived she was wearing a baseball cap and was hesitant to remove it. As the session progressed, she slowly warmed up and then an incredible moment happened. With her makeup applied and looking gorgeous, we fitted her with the most exceptional red wig. Immediately she came to life. Her eyes brightened, her smile lifted. By the end of the day, she walked out of the room with the utmost confidence, nothing stopping her. Her mother followed behind simply beaming. It was a transformational day for all of us. One I'll never forget."

Margaret Wolf, ONTARIO

"A memorable workshop was the first I ever attended, as a cancer patient myself. I arrived looking grey and pale. Thanks to Anna who helped with my makeup and Marne who led the workshop, I left looking better than I'd ever looked before!  I felt like a million bucks. Another memorable workshop was when I arrived to volunteer just after my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The volunteers were incredibly supportive, understanding, kind and caring. Their warmth and kindness helped me get through this time. Spending that evening volunteering with patients and their families was heartwarming and uplifting. Leaving feeling better than when you arrived... that is the magic of the program."

Shirley Girard, ONTARIO

“Each workshop, it is wonderful to see how the LGFB program helps make each woman’s day just a little bit better as they share their experiences and also a laugh or two with each other. As the women leave ‘looking good and feeling better,’ it is a great feeling to know that I was a small part of their special afternoon.

If you are thinking of becoming a Look Good Feel Better volunteer, I encourage you to inquire about the training as soon as possible. There are never enough volunteers, as we want to offer the workshop experience to as many women as we can. The thank yous, smiles and hugs given at the end of each session let us know that we have made a difference. We get back much more than we give. I could never explain how rewarding it is to be a part of Look Good Feel Better.”

Sharon Cowan, NEW BRUNSWICK

“Thanks to the outstanding volunteers, the LGFB program has made a tremendous positive impact in our community.  Outside of the workshop, we enjoy fundraising initiatives like the Shoppers Drug Mart galas, which we are always present for.  I always love hearing the stories from the people in the community and crossing paths again with participants who are doing well. We have several ladies in the community who make hats for us to give to the participants. Whenever we can put a smile on the face of fear and uncertainty, there is a butterfly effect.  All of us have been touched by cancer in some way.  LGFB brings a measure of hope and strength that comes from knowing you aren’t alone.  This has a gentle way of reaching family, friends and ultimately the community at large.

We all have busy lives with careers, family and life’s challenges.  However, when I conduct a workshop, all of that goes away for a few, rewarding hours. Our participants leave walking taller. They are smiling, lifted, and grateful for the time we have given. The real gift, however, is the gift that they bring to us: a renewed perspective on life and what really matters and a reminder to live in the present moment.”

Patricia Wilson, ALBERTA

“I am so grateful that I'm able to give back to our community and women facing cancer through Look Good Feel Better. These workshops are very much needed and our community rises to the task.

To be a volunteer in these workshops is so rewarding. With just three hours a month you can help other women feel better and feel more like themselves again – how could you not want to be a part of that feeling?  Women come into our workshops not quite knowing what to expect, timid and feeling vulnerable. We welcome them with open hearts, let them know that the workshop is a safe place for them to spend some time for themselves. You very quickly see these women find their own identity, enjoy the pampering and leave entirely different from when they arrived.  We have had so many thank yous and women often express that they didn't really understand how much they needed this workshop!”

Dale Dumanski, ONTARIO

“The LGFB workshops work wonders for the participants. We can begin to see a positive transformation before the makeup is even completed. It gives them back a sense of self. In just about every workshop the ladies feel so pretty that they joke about not wanting to go home but instead go out to celebrate their new look. Being a LGFB volunteer lets you help someone going through the worst of times - and believe me, you take home more than you leave.”

Glenda Syrota, ALBERTA

“Being a cancer survivor myself, I feel that I can speak to the merits of Look Good Feel Better both as a participant, as well as a volunteer. I know from personal experience that the positive, warm, comforting feelings this program provides women at their most vulnerable times is astounding. Through Look Good Feel Better patients and volunteers are all brought together with the idea of ‘lifting each other up’. As a volunteer host I strive to encourage as many women as possible to be part of our Look Good Feel Better community. Each of the volunteers within the Look Good Feel Better program bring something special to offer, whether it be a friendly smile, a listening ear or a suggestion about a technique to feel more like you. It’s all part of building something bigger – a community of women supporting one another"

Alison Hogan, British Columbia

“LGFB lifts our community every time we hold a workshop. We see it when the women arrive, most feeling a little awkward and unsure but by the time they leave a couple of hours later they are smiling, chatting to newfound friends and most definitely feeling better about themselves. We like to keep some light humour in our group and I think this is just 2 hours of their crazy life when they can feel ‘normal’ and forget what else is going on. They are so appreciative of the information we share but I also think that we the volunteers feel just as good after the workshop is done and see what a difference it has made.”

Dianne Gavey, ONTARIO

“I see the impact LGFB has on our community at every workshop. Every woman who attends our sessions have gone home with a smile on their face. The ladies are very shy when come into the room and by the of the session we have to interrupt them as they are all chatting to each other and feeling better about themselves – it makes us volunteers so happy to see this! Bonds are formed and some have even exchanged phone numbers! We have women travel from an hour or so away and love every minute of our workshops. These ladies then spread the good word in their communities as to how up lifting the program was for them. That’s what it’s all about!”

Sue Blain, Ontario

"I think volunteering has impacted my community by making me a better person every time I go. It allows me to see the true affects makeup can have on people and how even a little lipstick can bring a smile to someone’s face. I am a strong believer that everyone should volunteer at something! But if you have this knowledge you get so much out of it. I leave every month feeling as if I’ve made a life better. Is there really anymore you could ask for? Paying it forward is always so rewarding. 😊"

Debbie Ranger, ONTARIO

“The program gives women positive support during such a difficult, stressful time. It’s women coming together to support other women which is the true meaning of community. I am honoured to be involved in this important program.

Becoming a volunteer with LGFB will change your life. The feeling in the workshop is so positive, so happy. I have been with the program for 19 years and the beautiful, courageous women I have met, have left me in awe. Make a difference in someone’s life...there is no better feeling for the soul.”

Clemence Bouffard, Quebec

« Voilà ce que Belle et bien dans sa peau m’apporte et cela depuis plus de 20 ans!

Chaque atelier est un moment unique m’apportant la satisfaction de voir partir ces femmes avec un grand sourire, où elles ont oublié pendant quelques heures leur maladie. De les voir sourire alors qu’elles sont arrivées un peu craintive et anxieuse, de les voir sourire de savoir qu’elles sont toujours jolies.

Quand l’atelier se termine j’ai l’impression de laisser partir des amies, qui sont venues partager un moment très difficile de leur vie. Ce que je remarque aussi, c'est que ces femmes sont beaucoup moins découragées qu’il y a vingt ans. Donc cancer tu rencontres des battantes!  »

Dominique Roy, Quebec

« J’ai travaillé pendant plusieurs années en tant qu’infirmière en oncologie, il était fort plaisant d’offrir des ateliers de bonheur, des ateliers Belle et Bien dans sa peau à ces femmes aux prises avec le cancer, la perte de cheveux, la perte d’estime de son image corporelle. Maintenant que je suis infirmière-retraitée, je prends le temps d’appeler par téléphone toutes les dames inscrites, ça me permet de m’assurer de leur présence et de leur donner des directives. Être bénévole pour Belle et Bien dans sa peau, c’est un beau moment à partager avec les bénévoles et aussi avec les femmes qui en ont besoin. C’est se sentir utile à une belle cause. Ça prend peu de mon temps mais ce temps est très enrichissant. »<u1:p></u1:p>

Johanne Girard, Quebec

« Après un atelier de BBDSP, j’ai la sensation d’avoir aidé des femmes en leur accrochant un sourire, elles se sentent plus belles,  plus outillées à affronter leur maladie, elles voient qu’elles ont du support autour d’elle et elles repartent plus confiantes. Pour moi, c’est mission accomplie !

Pour une personne qui penserait joindre notre équipe et serait hésitante, je lui dirais qu’elle peut faire la différence autour d’elle en s’investissant seulement 2 heures/mois.

Donnez aux autres, nous apporte beaucoup personnellement. Pour les personnes que nous aidons, notre temps est vraiment un cadeau de plus, nous leur remontons le moral. »

Diane Nolin, Quebec

« Notre implication élève la communauté, car nous aidons les femmes qui sont au prise avec la maladie, en les valorisant par de petits gestes personnels, avec de bons produits de beauté et des trucs simples afin qu'elles se sentent belles et bien durant cette période difficile.

Je dirais qu'être bénévole pour BBDSP nous rend fière du bien être que procure les ateliers de maquillage et de prothèses capillaires. C'est le soir même que l'on voit les répercutions chez les participantes, l'impact est immédiat et sera continu. »

Louise Proulx, Quebec

« Depuis déjà 21 ans, mon équipe et moi essayons de transmettre notre savoir afin que ces femmes reprennent confiance en elles.  J’ai l’impression de leur donner des ailes. Belle et Bien dans sa peau est un programme formidable qui donne la chance à toutes ces femmes de s’exprimer et d’échanger entre elles, ce qui est pour moi une forme de tremplin qui agira sur l’estime de soi.

Bravo à toutes ces bénévoles qui accompagnent ces femmes qui ont tant besoin. En terminant, mon souhait le plus cher ! Longue vie à Belle et Bien dans sa peau. Espérant le tout à votre satisfaction ! »
 

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Murielle Leblanc, Quebec

« Encourager les patientes qui souffre des effets du traitement anticancer est très important. En seulement 3 heures par mois, nous pouvons aider entre 8 à 12 femmes à passer un après-midi qui va les encourager à continuer. On rit, on écoute et les participantes parlent ensemble et se rendent compte qu'elles ne sont pas seules. On reçoit plus qu'on ne donne. »

Denise Tellier, Quebec

« Il y a 10 ans déjà que je suis impliquée bénévolement à titre de chef d'équipe pour le programme de Belle et bien dans sa peau. Cet engagement auprès des femmes ayant reçu un diagnostic de cancer est très valorisant. Pour moi, le regard des participantes et l'étincelle qu'elles ont dans les yeux, atelier après atelier, me fait réaliser à quel point ces ateliers sont essentiels voire même indispensables. Et, bien qu'affaiblies par la maladie, elles retrouvent une certaine estime de soi et une certaine dignité. Je suis vraiment fière de participer à leur transformation.

Or, si vous avez le goût de vous impliquer et de faire la différence dans la vie de ces femmes, n'hésitez pas! À raison de trois heures par mois seulement, vous recevrez une immense dose de gratification tout en contribuant au bonheur de ces  femmes courageuses et résilientes. »

Joanne Tremblay, Quebec

« Les Saguenéennes et les Jeannoises sont fières de leur apparence. Les ateliers de Belle et bien dans sa peau aident ces femmes à continuer à être belle en dehors et encore plus en dedans. Donner de mon temps pour ma communauté, mettre à contribution mon expérience en esthétique est réellement une passion pour moi. Je suis bénévole depuis 19 ans et cela m’apporte beaucoup de satisfaction. Nous avons la chance d’être en santé et donner aux autres est un pur bonheur qui permet également de faire de belle rencontre. »

Julie Wathier, Quebec

« Mon implication avec BBDSP me permet de confirmer que, partout autour de nous, il y a tant de gens qui ont besoin de ces moments magiques que j'appel ``le don de soi``.  C'est tellement gratifiant et enrichissant de voir repartir les participantes toute radieuse avec le sourire aux lèvres et des lueurs d'espoir dans leurs yeux après un atelier BBDSP.  Je suis très fière de faire parti d'un organisme tel que BBDSP qui permet aux femmes de retrouver espoir et courage, et qui elle-même vont faire rejaillir l'amour autour d'elles. 

Ce que je dirais à quelqu'un qui envisage de devenir bénévole? ``GO! Bienvenue dans l'équipe!!" Nous avons tant besoin de gens comme vous qui désirent partager amour et entraide à toutes ces femmes qui souvent, viennent chercher soutien et réconfort lors des ateliers. C'est un grand cadeau rempli d'amour que nous leurs offrons et c'est très gratifiant de les voir repartir avec tant d'espoir de recouvrer la santé.  Nous sommes une grande équipe formidable où les valeurs du coeur sont à la base de ce que nous faisons. »
 

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Karen Salmon, Newfoudland & Labrador

Jocelyn Beard, Nova Scotia

Mag Longo, Ontario

Leanna Eastgate, British Columbia

Joanna Reid, Ontario

Liz-Anne Oke, Ontario

Lucie Bourgeois, Quebec

Danielle Jacques, Quebec

Colombe Lessard, Quebec

Denise Savard, Quebec

Shirley-Anne Gleeson, Quebec

Line Couture, Quebec

Brigitte Tremblay, Quebec

Elaine Boudreau, Quebec

Sylvie Poulin, Quebec

Jacques Regnier, Quebec