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Some say these palliative care volunteers may be angels among us

"We need the support of our community more than ever. Please remember us between your internet and Netflix bills, and donate to the cause of palliative care."
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Monica Do Coutto Monni is the Executive Director of NNPCN - the Near North Palliative Care Network.

This one of a series of articles, as part of the feature called "Helpers", which focuses on people and organizations that help make our community better.

This time we focus on NNPCN - the Near North Palliative Care Network, and speak with their Executive Director Monica Do Coutto Monni.

The Near North Palliative Care Network is a registered charity providing one-stop palliative care, bereavement and grief, and end-of-life volunteer-based free services. They've been providing their compassionate services to those who need it in Nipissing and Parry Sound since 1987.

"Our trained volunteers go where the client is, homes, long-term care facilities, the hospital, and more. Our services are free and just one phone call away," says Executive Director Monica Do Coutto Monni.

They only have two permanent full-time staff, and typically have a base of around 120 dedicated volunteers who average in age to be 55 to 65 years of age.

Do Coutto Moni says they are always seeking more people to train and provide their caring services in the community.

"We seek new volunteers all the time, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic and the end of life of the Baby Boomer generation. More than ever, volunteers are needed everywhere, to help our community members at the moment they need it the most. We offer online training free of charge, mentoring, and face-to-face training," she adds.

When asked how her long-term group fits with the new Serenity Hospice in North Bay, she answers with clear passion, saying "NNPCN Volunteers are everywhere! We are a continuum of healthcare colleagues serving our community. As such, NNPCN by definition serves not only clients at home but also our healthcare partners: local hospitals, long-term care facilities, health units, doctors’ offices, independent and assisted living facilities, residential hospices, you name it! If you need a visiting hospice volunteer, phone us and we will be there!"

Their biggest fundraiser - the well-known butterfly release - had to go virtual this year. The COVID climate will likely mean other events and fundraisers will be impacted in the future, as well.

Do Coutto Monni hopes the community remembers the special work they do and continues to support them with donations and connect with them to give their time.

"We need the support of our community more than ever. Please remember us between your internet and Netflix bills, and donate to the cause of palliative care. To volunteer, become our client, to donate, or to know more, just phone us or email us and we will be there and take care of the rest for you," she says.

If you're interested, you can call (705) 497-9239 or email them at [email protected] , and you can visit their website www,nnpcn.com anytime for more information.