Recognition Reception gives ‘shout out’ to staff

Hundreds of Providence Care staff were honoured at this year’s Recognition Reception.

Did you know Providence Care employs more than 1600 people?

It’s true.

And in one way or another, every one of them does their part to help provide care to the people in our region, who need it the most.

Most will say it’s a privilege to serve their patients, clients and residents, and they don’t do it for praise or accolades.

But sometimes it’s nice to get a shout out.

That’s why Providence Care hosts a Recognition Reception every year, to highlight staff achievements from the previous year.

“It’s important that we take the time to acknowledge the significant contributions our staff make, to enhance the quality of life of the people we serve. Continuing the tradition of our Founders, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, started more than 155 years ago,” said Cathy Szabo, President and CEO of Providence Care.

“The reception is one giant thank you, for the care and compassion staff show to their patients, residents, clients, their families and caregivers, and to each other, every day,” added Sandra Carlton, Joint Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer.

This year’s event was held on Feb. 22, 2019.

The ceremony celebrated four groups of staff, including those who have dedicated a decade or more of service to Providence Care, staff who were recognized formally outside of the organization, bursary recipients, and Achievement Award champions.

Hundreds of people were honoured.

“We are exceptionally proud of the work our staff members and physicians do, but it’s always rewarding when other organizations celebrate those contributions too. That’s why we make a point of announcing bursary and external award recipients,” explained Carlton.

The Achievement Awards are unique to Providence Care.

They were created by staff, for staff.

Nominees go above and beyond the call of duty and are committed to Providence Care’s vision, mission and values.

The categories are: Spirit of Compassion, Leading with Excellence, Innovation and Discovery, and Community Spirit.

“This year 83 staff members were nominated,” said Szabo. “Win or lose, all are seen as champions in the eyes of their peers, and I’m so proud of all of them.”

A large part of the ceremony is dedicated to staff celebrating milestone years with Providence Care; starting with 10 years of service, all the way to 40 years of service.

Yes, there are staff who have worked at Providence Care for four decades.

“This year a total of 3,335 years of service were honoured,” said Carlton. “It’s remarkable when you think about it, and we are so fortunate as an organization to have such a large number of dedicated staff who believe in the work that we do.”

“We truly would not be the organization we are, without our staff,” added Szabo. “Their leadership and dedication is inspiring and helps Providence Care achieve its goal; to deliver the best care to the people we serve.”