Above: Jenna Ijam and Don Blay sit at the Information Booth in Victoria Hospital’s B1 lobby.
April 30, 2025
At London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), volunteers play a critical role in the patient experience. Their passion and commitment ensure that LHSC can provide quality care to London and surrounding communities. For Don Blay and Jenna Ijam, their time volunteering together through the Helping Hands program has inspired an intergenerational friendship built on mutual respect, learning, and a shared passion for helping others.
Don, a retired teacher and former court clerk, was inspired to volunteer at LHSC as a way to give back to the hospital where he had received care. For Jenna, a fourth-year Medical Sciences student at Western University with aspirations of a career in medicine, volunteering was a chance to gain experience in a hospital setting while making a difference in people’s lives.
Helping Hands is a mentorship program that involves pairing an experienced Guide volunteer with a Guide Assistant – post-secondary students who are volunteering at LHSC over the summer. Through this program, Jenna and Don were stationed together in Victoria Hospital’s B1 lobby, greeting and assisting patients, families, and visitors, providing directions, and answering questions about clinics, parking, and hospital amenities. With LHSC’s vast layout, their wayfinding role is invaluable in reducing stress and ensuring people get to their destination on time.
“We never know who we’ll meet or what situation we will encounter, but we do know that staying calm and leading with compassion is key,” says Don.
Their partnership began as a simple working relationship but quickly evolved into a meaningful friendship. Don was immediately struck by Jenna’s dedication, efficiency, and deep sense of empathy.
“Jenna is an incredible person – so bright and giving,” he says. “She makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
Jenna, in turn, credits Don for shaping her experience as a volunteer.
“Don was the one who trained me when I first started, and I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be the kind of volunteer he is,” she says. “He’s taught me so much about patience, perspective, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate the moment.”
Beyond their volunteer duties, Don and Jenna’s friendship has extended into more meaningful conversations about life, education and their personal journeys. Don has learned about Jenna’s upbringing in Saudi Arabia and her experiences at Western University, which include a variety of extra-curricular activities on top of a rigorous academic schedule.
“Jenna works so hard and is so dedicated to all of her commitments,” says Don. “Her work ethic is so admirable; I am in awe of everything she has accomplished in her life so far.”
Jenna shared that Don’s encouragement has helped her gain a lot of valuable perspective.
“He’s helped me stay grounded and reminds me to be proud of the progress I have made and celebrate my achievements.”
Their friendship reached an important milestone when Jenna asked Don to write a reference letter for her medical school application.
“It was such an incredible honour,” says Don. “I’ve watched Jenna grow as both a volunteer and a person and I was so humbled to be asked to support her in this significant step. I know she is going to make an extraordinary doctor.”
Both Jenna and Don say their friendship serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking generational barriers.
“There’s so much to learn from each other,” says Jenna. “Having a mentor like Don has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of volunteering at LHSC.”
For Don, working with Jenna has given him a renewed sense of optimism.
“Sometimes older generations can be skeptical about young people, but I believe there is so much to learn from people like Jenna. She is hardworking, kind, and full of heart,” he says.
The pair encourages others to step outside their comfort zones and consider volunteering.
“I get back much more than I give,” says Don. “Helping people, no matter how small the gesture, is incredibly rewarding.”
Jenna echoed his statement, noting that despite her busy schedule, volunteering has fulfilled her in ways she didn’t expect.
“Volunteering has made me more social, more open-minded, and more empathetic,” she says. “At first, I was worried about whether I would be able to fit the commitment of volunteering into my schedule, but now I really can’t imagine my week without it. I am so glad I’ve made it a part of my life.”
Now, for Jenna and Don, volunteering at LHSC has become about so much more than what they expected – it's about connection, growth, and the unexpected friendships that shape who we become.