Longtime volunteer in West Kelowna leaves legacy after retiring

December 13, 2022

Longtime volunteer Ingrid Hawthorne holds her great-grandson Bowie next to mother Nikki (left) and dad Charlie.

Connie Griffin works in administrative services at the West Kelowna Health Centre. One of the volunteers she's worked with since 2001, Ingrid Hawthorne, now in her late 80s, retired at the end of November. Ingrid originally began volunteering in the baby clinic where she would greet the parent, get the baby checked in, and record their weight and measurements.

This role has changed many times over the years, and now volunteers mostly act as greeters. Ingrid also volunteered at influenza clinics, greeting and registering people or being the line-up traffic director.

Ingrid is a sweet, kind and compassionate person who has been a valued volunteer at Interior Health. She has given much of her time working with babies in our Well Baby Clinics over the past 26 years, as well as helping at our annual mass community influenza clinics.

-- Connie Griffin, administrative services assistant, West Kelowna Health Centre

“Ingrid has always been reliable," Connie said. "She would show up early, and was very dependable and prepared for the day. She was always willing to go the extra mile. We will miss her dearly.”

Woman with white hair, wearing glasses, lilac sweater and scarf standing beside woman with grey hair, wearing glasses, black top and long necklace. — Ingrid Hawthorne and Connie Griffin.

Ingrid particularly enjoyed working with young families.

“I loved the opportunity to interact with the parents and babies,” says Ingrid. “I enjoy the little ones! It has also been great to get to know some of the nurses and office staff. We’ve had a good relationship over the years. I always tell the parents that we have the best nursing staff out here in West Kelowna!"

On the morning of Nov. 16, Ingrid was present when her great-grandson, Bowie, was brought in by his parents, Charlie and Nikki, for his second childhood immunization.

I believe strongly in immunization. I remember as a child going for the polio drink. We are fortunate to have such a good program now. It is easily obtained by the general public. Things progress and get better over time.

-- Ingrid Hawthorn, recently retired volunteer

Connie was also present for the immunization process.

“Charlie and Nikki were relaxed parents doing a great job with Bowie. He was all smiles afterward and took it like a trooper! It’s wonderful to see such great family support!”

Mom Nikki reported that Bowie did just fine, thanks to the smooth process.

“While he didn’t love the immunization itself – we don’t blame him – he calmed down quickly and was back to his happy self. It was nice to have it done in a private room, as it can be overwhelming for the parents – at least for us.

“We are very pro-immunization, as we understand the short discomfort while receiving vaccines is well worth the protection provided by them. As parents, we will always do anything and everything in our power to keep our child safe, and this is one aspect that helps us do that.”

Mom with brown hair tied back, wearing white jacket, soothing baby who is laying down for medical examination. — Nikki with her son Bowie, who was receiving his second childhood immunization.

What makes this immunization occasion very special is that Ingrid also brought her grandson, Charlie (Bowie’s father) in for his kindergarten immunization at the very same office, 26 years ago when Charlie was five years old.

Connie and the volunteer services coordinator Katherine (Katie) Durk arranged a special retirement tea party on the afternoon of Bowie’s immunization day. IH volunteers, staff and Ingrid’s family were there to celebrate and acknowledge Ingrid for her many years of service.

Photo credits: Virginia Nymeyer and Connie Griffin