We are celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026 in Canada this week (April 19 to 25). This year’s theme is “Ignite Volunteerism.” The week is all about recognizing the efforts of volunteers across the country and sharing the impact volunteering can have.

Volunteers are the backbone of Dying With Dignity Canada. In honour of National Volunteer Week, we are spotlighting new DWDC volunteer Erika Gilbert. She was inspired to get involved by the work and impact of volunteers.

DWDC: Tell us about yourself

EG: I am a Social Worker, and I have had the privilege to spend my days working with residents and families/care partners in long-term care since 2020. My heart has always been drawn to caring for people, especially when it comes to helping them live authentically, to the fullest, and in whatever way brings them the best quality of life. Every day, I have the privilege of walking hand-in-hand with such incredible individuals, oftentimes through their most tender and vulnerable chapters (such as during palliative and end-of-life care), and I endeavour to bring comfort, dignity, and compassion to their journey.  

DWDC: What prompted you to consider volunteering?  

EG: In my day job, I see so many quiet moments where people just need a little extra support, whether that be a friendly face, a safe space to share, or simply holding a hand. I wanted to pour my heart into something just as meaningful as my career, especially in an area that can sometimes feel a lonely or misunderstood. The simple idea of being a quiet source of reassurance and comfort for someone making a deeply personal decision really spoke to my heart.  

DWDC: Why did you decide to volunteer with Dying With Dignity Canada?  

EG: I actually found DWDC through a very special resident I was working with. She wanted to access medical assistance in dying (MAID), but she was navigating a delicate situation: She did not want her extended family to know she was pursuing this treatment, and even though her two sons were completely supportive of her decision, neither were eligible to sign her Clinician Aid A form. As a result, I reached out to DWDC to see if we could get an Independent Witness to help her.  

What happened next truly touched my heart. The team at DWDC was so incredibly warm, prompt, and full of empathy. The beautiful compassion and respect they showed my resident utterly inspired me. I love how this organization approaches such a sensitive topic with so much care, and how it has a clear dedication to supporting people with their ideal quality of life, especially in having a good, dignified death. I knew right away I wanted to be part of this team.  

DWDC: What do you do with DWDC? How do you volunteer with our organization?  

EG: I am so excited to be signed up as a volunteer with the Independent Witness and Proxy Program for Canadians requesting medical assistance in dying (MAID)! I am currently in the process of completing my shadowing shifts before being fully integrated into my role. Because I work full-time, my schedule can be a little tricky, but the DWDC team has been so wonderfully understanding and patient in helping me fit my volunteering into my availability. Nonetheless, I am eagerly waiting to step in and to be a gentle, neutral, and supportive resource to individuals who need support in this process.  

DWDC: What would you say to others who might be considering volunteering but are hesitant to take action?  

EG: I would tell them that it is entirely okay to feel nervous! Supporting in end-of-life care can sound quite daunting or overwhelming, and it is natural to feel hesitant about stepping into the unknown. But if you peel back those layers, volunteering here is really just about simple human connection and support. You do not need to be an expert. You just need a kind, have an open heart and a willingness to be there for someone. The DWDC team is so wonderful and supportive, and the incredible privilege of helping someone honour their own wishes whisks all those initial nerves right away.  

DWDC: What do you get out of volunteering?  

EG: Volunteering brings me an indescribable sense of purpose, fulfillment, and, honestly, peace. In a world that oftentimes feels so heavy, complicated, and intense, being part of DWDC feels like a breath of fresh air. It fills my cup to know that I am helping people feel respected, heard, and truly seen. It is a deeply rewarding feeling to know you can make someone’s path a little smoother, helping them hold onto their dignity and autonomy when their health struggles have already taken so much away.  

DWDC: The theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week is “Ignite Volunteerism”. What would you want to say that might ignite the passion or curiosity in another person when it comes to volunteering?  

EG: To me, “igniting volunteerism” means realizing that your own little spark of kindness can light up someone else’s dark moment. We often think we need to do grand gestures to make a difference, but sometimes the most beautiful gift you can give is just showing up and being there. If you have even a tiny whisper of curiosity in your heart about supporting end-of-life rights, I definitely encourage you to follow it! I guarantee it will open your eyes, humble your spirit, shift your perspective, and show you just how wonderfully connected we all truly are.  

DWDC: We understand the impact that volunteers have on the DWDC community. What do you hope your personal impact from volunteering will be?  

EG: My biggest hope is just to bring a sense of calm and comfort to the people I meet. Making the choice to access MAID takes so much courage, and there are many steps involved. I just want my presence to feel warm and reassuring, hopefully lifting one small worry off their shoulders. The thought of helping people feel truly seen, safe, and less burdened during our time together makes my heart and spirit full.  

DWDC: Anything else you want to include that you think is important, but I didn’t ask about?  

EG: I just want to emphasize how important it is to keep talking about these things: about life, about death, and about the choices we make at the end. It sometimes baffles my head and my heart that our society is largely afraid of talking about death, especially since it is a natural part of every single person’s story. We pour so much energy into living our very best lives, so it only makes sense to me that we would want to pour that same love and effort into ensuring we have a peaceful, dignified death, too. However, when we keep these topics in the dark, people can, unfortunately, feel so alone. But every kind conversation we have, every little story we share, and every new volunteer who opens their heart helps bring so much light and community to the journey; I feel honoured to be a tiny part of that light. 

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If you are interested in getting involved and volunteering with DWDC, be sure to check out our get involved page HERE.