It’s amazing the difference a few hours can make.

That’s one of the lessons Humza Shahid has learned in the nearly six months he has been a volunteer in Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care’s recreation department.

“Just to be distracted from (your troubles) is very important in mental health,” he said. “I get a sense of joy from that. It’s quite fulfilling, as well, in terms of impacting people. I’ve volunteered for over a hundred hours, so I think about how many people I’ve been able to help. It makes me want to keep doing this.”

Shahid is one of around 70 individuals Waypoint is honouring during National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 14-20. Volunteers contribute up to 3,500 hours per year to the hospital. They also help raise funds through the gift shop and the staff 50/50 draw.

As one of four standalone specialty mental health and addictions hospitals in Ontario, Waypoint serves some of the province’s most complex and disadvantaged populations. This week is a chance to express gratitude toward people like Shahid who contribute to providing safe, compassionate and patient-centred care.

The 23-year-old Barrie resident recently graduated from York University with a biology degree. His goal is to follow in the footsteps of this father, Waypoint psychiatrist Dr. Raheel Shahid. Since starting in November, he has volunteered a minimum of one day a week. A typical day involves spending time with patients in the computer lab or supervising gym activities, as well as swimming, sports, hiking or other recreational pursuits.

Shahid said he is grateful to Recreation Therapist Michaela Rossi, as well as Talent and Volunteer Services Co-ordinator Diane Desroches, for teaching him the ropes. The experience has confirmed that he’s on the right career path, and also honed his people skills and given him insight into mental health. One experience that stands out occurred when a walk through the woods gave him a chance to talk with a number of patients.

“Hearing their stories, what they’ve been through, definitely impacted me,” he said. “It would make anyone realize everyone here has a story, everyone here has a struggle.”

If you know someone who would enjoy filling one of the many volunteer roles at Waypoint, the first step is to email [email protected].