When Judeen Johnson first arrived at West Park 21 years ago, she had only expected to work at the hospital for two weeks to fulfill a short-term contract supporting the Prosthetics and Orthotics department. But two weeks became two decades, and in July 2021, she received a special distinction at the hospital: a 20-year pin commemorating her “Long Service” at West Park.

“I’ve gotten a lot of exposure to different departments throughout my time here,” Judeen says. “So when I walk down the hallways, I know everyone.”

As the Unit Clerk for the Geriatric Functional Enhancement Service and the newly created Frail Seniors Transition to Home Program, Judeen provides clerical support for the nursing units. And when she’s not working, she devotes much of her time and energy to giving back to the hospital and other causes close to her heart.

"When the pandemic started, I was no longer able to volunteer. All I could do was go to work and go to the grocery store. That was hard."

“I love to give back – that is what drives me to get involved! I want to support the organization I work for, and I am lucky to have the support of the staff who always back my efforts. That is a great motivator,” Judeen says. “I am also a cancer survivor and support cancer causes. That is very close to my heart.”

In 2019, Judeen was the recipient of the Foundation’s Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which celebrated her exceptional fundraising efforts at the hospital, including being the top fundraiser on Team West Park at the Tournament of Stars for three years in a row. She organized bake sales and collected gift baskets to raffle, which helped her top her goals. She is also a member of the Family Campaign, a staff giving program to raise funds for West Park’s new hospital. And when she is not at work, she is probably volunteering her time.

“I have been volunteering since I was younger. If I didn’t work, I would still be a volunteer,” she says. “When the pandemic started, I was no longer able to volunteer. All I could do was go to work and go to the grocery store. That was hard. So when the opportunity to volunteer at vaccination clinics came along, I said yes.”

Judeen has participated in West Park’s vaccination clinics, in addition to volunteering with the Black Creek Community Centre and Volunteer Organization to help residents in her community receive their COVID-19 vaccine. And when it comes to motivation, she is often inspired by the care she sees at work.

“I see people arrive at West Park in a wheelchair, accomplish their therapy and then walk out,” she says. “The care they receive really is amazing.”

“There’s just so much excitement here with the new hospital build. I’ve seen the mockups of my new work space and I am really looking forward to moving into the new space.”