Gratitude for his sobriety is what motivated Robert W. to volunteer at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
Robert and his partner host a one-hour Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for clients of the hospital’s Assessment and Stabilization Unit on a monthly basis.
They are involved in the discussion portion of the meetings, providing a brief statement of their personal stories of alcoholism, some of the problems they encountered as a result, then how they found AA and what they’ve done to recover.
“Just starting the meeting and getting a few of the patients to share their own experiences and fears makes it all worthwhile,” says Robert. “Plus, I get to give back a little of what was given to me by the AA program.”
Robert encourages anyone considering volunteering in this way at the hospital not to put it off and do it as soon as they can. “You will never regret it, as helping others is its own reward,” he says.
“Even though the people in the Assessment and Stabilization Unit are supposed to show up to the meeting, occasionally you will talk with one who has really gotten something from your message and might remember something you said at a critical moment in the future.”
Robert stresses that everyone can make a difference by volunteering. “What could be a better use of your valuable free time than helping someone who really needs help?”