For nearly eight years, Lori Martins has been a familiar face in the gift shop at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), helping patients, families and visitors find a small moment of comfort during their time in hospital.
Lori first came to KHSC with a desire to make a difference after spending time there supporting family.
“I wanted to give back and be helpful,” she shares.
With decades of retail experience, she found the perfect fit in the hospital’s gift shop.
“If you have any retail experience, or if you love retail, if you love meeting people, the gift shop is the best place to volunteer. It really is,” she says.
Lori also volunteers as one of the buyers for the shop, carefully selecting the jewelry, clothing and accessories you see on display for sale. But the role goes far beyond retail. Each shift brings new conversations and connections with people who may be experiencing some of life’s most meaningful and difficult moments.
“Last week we had two sets of grandparents having their first grandbaby - they were buying clothes and teddy bears. So you get the joy,” she says. “And then, you know, there’s also sad parts about it too.”
“It’s like sales, but it’s not. It’s like sales… with compassion.”
Whether someone is stopping in to pass the time before an appointment or simply looking for a friendly face, Lori says the gift shop often becomes a place where people feel comfortable sharing their stories.
“It’s nice to be able to be there for people, and for people to feel comfortable to do that.”
For Lori, volunteering is also a way to stay connected to the community while maintaining time for what matters most, like her grandchildren.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of the role is knowing the impact extends far beyond the shop itself.
“When someone purchases from the gift shop, profits go back to help purchase equipment for the hospital. It’s all about giving back.”
“It’s very fulfilling.”
