Celebrating the house that grew (and the volunteers who grew with it)

For 99-year-old Ann Crane and 81-year-old Mary Steed, Peel Memorial is much more than a building—it is a pillar of the community. It’s also a place Ann and Mary have called home since they began volunteering for William Osler Health System (Osler) over thirty years ago.

Through the transformation of Peel Memorial over the years, one thing has always remained the same for the two volunteers – the appreciation of what it means to the community of Brampton.

Peel Memorial Hospital, named to honour World War I veterans, officially opened its doors on February 3, 1925. The hospital was originally an estate and was comprised of twelve patient beds. Over the years, and with support from the community, the hospital grew and developed.

Fast forward to 2017, it reopened as the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness and on February 8, we celebrated its fifth anniversary.

With continued growth, comes the crucial need for support, and over the years our volunteers have delivered just that.

Mary Steed began volunteering 52 years ago. Native to Brampton, and born at Peel Memorial herself, Mary always felt connected to the site and the surrounding neighbourhood. Her three children and five grandchildren were also born there, making it a place of significance for generations of Mary’s family.

Mary initially started volunteering at the Information Desk in 1970, where she directed visitors to patients’ rooms. Long before computers, she would find patients’ names and room numbers using a rotary card file. She recalls the farmland and unfinished, dirt roads that surrounded the area at the time.

“I started volunteering because I wanted something to do to give back to the community. I’ve been here ever since,” said Mary. “Whatever I have that I can offer, that’s what I’ll give,” she added.

An amazing 50 years later, in 2020, Mary continued to work at Peel Memorial’s gift shop, selling items and helping customers.

Working alongside her was Ann Crane, who moved to Canada from England in 1986. She has been volunteering at Osler for 32 years.

“Volunteering is part of my life: it’s what keeps me going,” said Ann. “You feel you are doing something that matters. I’m not just selling tickets, I share my time with others.”

In Ann's first role volunteering years ago, she looked after children while their parents or guardians were receiving treatment. She then moved to diagnostic imaging and until March 2020, worked with colleagues in the gift shop at Peel Memorial to raise funds for equipment. There, she enjoys chatting with visitors and of course, Mary – who she has known for over 10 years.

“When we first arrived at the new Peel Memorial to continue volunteering, it felt like coming home again. This ground is Peel - it will always be Peel Memorial,” said Mary.

“Coming back here was just the natural thing to do,” said Ann.

Though both Mary and Ann have not yet been able to volunteer since the pandemic hit, they are both eager to return home to their beloved Peel Memorial to continue their important work as soon as they can, and of course celebrate its five-year anniversary!