Sam is our Visitation Host Lead, and an exceptional young man balancing full-time university studies with his work here. His role was created in late 2019, during the onset of the pandemic, when safety precautions in long-term care drastically changed our daily routines with staff, residents, and families.

Sam oversees the team of Ambassadors throughout the day, managing their schedules and deploying them to assist departments facing staffing shortages or other challenges. From 2019 to 2023, Sam and his team took charge of managing the entry doors, ensuring the safety of residents by screening all visitors, including delivery workers, while meticulously upholding infection control measures. They went above and beyond, responding to the unique needs of each family with kindness and respect, always offering a warm smile no matter the request.

Sam has a remarkable ability to balance firmness with compassion. While he’s not afraid to say no when necessary, he consistently goes out of his way to accommodate the needs of residents and their families, showing deep empathy and understanding. During a time when strict limitations kept loved ones apart, Sam and his team became emotional companions to our residents and families, fostering connection and support in an incredibly challenging time.

The success we’ve had over the years is a testament to Sam’s strong leadership. I’ve personally enjoyed watching him and his team grow within the organization, and I admire the dedication they bring to their work each day. Coming to work with a smile, especially during the ups and downs of COVID, was no small feat.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sam and his team for the invaluable contribution they’ve made to Menno Place and to the many families we’ve served. Words cannot fully express the profound impact you have all had on each and every one of us.

Thank you!

Submitted by Diana Bae