Yellowknife (Aug 29/03) - Volunteers can have a huge impact on the places where they work.

The Stanton Territorial Hospital is an example of how important the extra help is.

"Volunteers do a lot for places like Stanton," said Marie Kelly, volunteer coordinator for hospital.

"They are an important part of the health team," she added.

For Vickie Markuez and Laura McLeod volunteering has been a eye-opening experience.

The two high school students -- Markuez is going into Grade 10 at St. Patrick high school and McLeod is going into Grade 9 at Sir John Franklin high school -- started working at the hospital in July. They agree it's been a great way to spend their summer.

"It was better than just sitting at home doing nothing," said Markuez.

"I needed something to do, so why not volunteer," added McLeod.

Volunteers are found in every area of the hospital, from helping out nurses by stocking rooms and filing, to working with patients.

Carey West, recreational therapist at the hospital, knows the importance of volunteers. West works in long-term care and they are constantly looking for extra help.

"A lot of the programs we provide wouldn't happen without volunteer help," she said. "It's about maintaining the quality of life for the residents."

"The staff really appreciate all the work volunteers do,"she added.

McLeod and Markuez spend a lot of their time working with the residents of the long-term care. Throughout the day the two spend time reading them the newspaper, talking with them and helping the residents at meal time.

"You hear a lot of interesting stories just by listening to the patients," said McLeod. "You can learn a lot by listening to people."

When their not working with seniors Markuez and McLeod could be playing with children and helping parents in the pediatrics wing.

"We're never bored because there is always something to do here," said Markuez.

"Volunteers are involved in so much and that makes them invaluable to us," added West.

Currently there are about 20 volunteers at the hospital, but Kelly said they are starting a volunteer drive in September to find more recruits. She explained with more people helping they can offer more programs.

"We're always looking for more help," she said.