Winnipeg - The Grace Hospital Youth Volunteer Program celebrated its 50th anniversary with a community barbeque on the grounds of Grace Hospital on September 16, 2007.

Formerly known as the “Candystriper Program”, the Youth Volunteer Program has close to 80 members, and provides an outstanding opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience. They also learn about the potential of a career in health care. It also offers educational scholarships to participants who truly shine in their work.

Youth volunteers carry out a host of essential functions within the hospital including acting as patient escorts, providing ice water to patients, assisting with the distribution of patient meals, preparing patient charts, assisting the pharmacy with coding and sorting medications and much more. In total, Youth Volunteers provided over 6,000 hours of service to The Grace in 2006 and were acknowledged with the Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award for 2007.

The free community event featured hot dogs, hamburgers and exciting entertainment. Renowned local DJ Ace Burpee from Hot 103 FM acted as the emcee for the festivities. Entertainment included the world famous Hinode Taiko Drum Group and the rock band “Low Profile” which included members of the youth auxiliary.

The territorial commanders, Commissioners William & Marilyn Francis, were on hand as the special guests for the event. Commissioner William Francis addressed the crowd, congratulating the program volunteers over the past 50 years and the Grace General Hospital for its visionary leadership in this area. Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, along with representatives from the Youth Volunteer Program, then joined together in the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the fifty years of service.