Inspirational Achievement: Christine Stepelton

Lunch comes with conversation whenever Christine Stepleton is on duty at the Countryside Care Centre in Aurora. For people in a nursing home who may not get many visitors, Stepleton says her smile and cheerfulness are welcome.

“When I bring in their food I talk to them a little bit, ask them how their day was, how they’ve been, they seem pretty happy that I’m interested in their lives,” Stepleton said.

With her food cart in tow, she visits with patients at the clinic come mealtime, making sure to spend time with those who don’t get many visitors or chances to interact with other people.

Charlene Sligting, a staff member of Passages Hospice who works with Stepelton, said her enthusiasm and ability to overcome challenges on a regular basis serve as an example to both staff and patients. Since she is unable to drive, she walks or takes the bus to Passages, even in winter.
“Her dedication to the patients and the compassion and joy that she brings every time she comes in, no matter what, is always inspiring,” Sligting said.
In addition to making a difference in the lives of others, Stepleton also uses volunteering as an opportunity to develop new skills. Working with a job development coach from the Association for Individual Development (AID), which helps individuals with disabilities become more independent, she hopes she can work at the clinic as an employee someday.

“It’s not like working in a factory or working in a store,” she said. “I feel like I’m making an accomplishment helping people at the home feel comfortable with themselves, making them feel comfortable where they are.”

Since she began, Stepleton has volunteered regularly for three days a week, serving for over 200 hours to date. For her dedication, she was awarded the Passages Hospice Volunteer of the Month award in January for working the most volunteer hours in the organization.