A volunteer for eight years, Joe Hewko has given 114 hours of service to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Previously an employee of the Foundation, Joe continues to take a lead role as Activity Captain for our Snowflake Gala and Sport Chek Mother's Day Run & Walk.
Detailed and dedicated, Joe is serious about his work with the Stollery and his commitment to contributing to his community. Over and above the time that he spends at events, he often takes extra time to prepare for his volunteer roles. “The only way the Foundation will keep going is if people stay connected to it and we find new people to connect to it,” says Joe about his commitment to the volunteer program.
Joe was inspired to volunteer after spending a year as the Foundation’s Controller and seeing the diversity among the people involved with the organization. From the support of corporations to the involvement of entrepreneurs to volunteers from all walks of life, it seemed that everyone was getting involved, regardless of the struggles in their own life.
The importance of the Stollery in our community really hit home for Joe when his neighbour’s two year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer in her mouth and lips. Through their experience, he saw that the Stollery was a family friendly facility with the equipment and research to improve the lives of so many young people. Now that he has a granddaughter, he takes comfort in knowing that such a facility exists in the city he lives in.
“No matter where you are or what you do, there’s always a way to get involved.”