Norm Finlay, volunteer

Creating a sense of belonging and dignity for every individual requires patience, empathy and a deep commitment to valuing others. Norm Finlay creates these experiences through his volunteering. He works to have people feel truly seen and heard, so their confidence grows and their quality of life improves.

Originally volunteering just once a week for social teas in the memory care unit at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, Norm quickly formed strong connections with residents, leading him to increase his volunteering to six days a week. He even visits on unscheduled days to ensure that residents without regular visitors never feel alone.

Norm treats every resident with respect, recognizing their unique histories, interests and personal preferences. He takes the time to listen, learn and engage in ways that honor their individuality. Whether celebrating moments of joy or providing comfort in times of sadness or confusion, he remains fully present, offering kindness without hesitation.

His impact extends beyond residents. His positivity and reliability uplift staff and fellow volunteers creating a culture of mutual support. His presence is particularly meaningful for Alzheimer’s residents, who recognize and find reassurance in him. His dedication to understanding best practices for memory care further demonstrates his respect for those he serves.

Norm fosters an environment where every individual is treated with dignity. Through his interactions with residents, staff have witnessed remarkable transformations, with many residents showing significant improvement.