Newly hired receptionist Volodymyr Ivashyna poses for a photo outside the Chilliwack Hospice Society office building.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is thrilled to welcome Volodymyr Ivashyna as our new receptionist. Volodymyr joins us with a rich professional background, a deep commitment to community service, and an inspiring personal journey as a newcomer to Canada.

Originally from Ukraine, Volodymyr has been in Canada for just over a year and a half. His experiences of moving to a new country and navigating cultural and linguistic differences have given him a profound appreciation for inclusion, diversity, and the strength that comes from building connections across communities. Despite the challenges of starting fresh in a new country, Volodymyr quickly embraced Canadian culture while sharing elements of his Ukrainian heritage, including cooking traditional dishes like borscht and participating in community celebrations.

“Moving to Canada was life-changing,” Volodymyr shares. “The kindness and support I’ve received from people in Chilliwack has been incredible. It’s a privilege to now give back to the community in a meaningful way.”

Volodymyr holds a Master’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Protection and a Diploma in Foreign Economic Activities Management from Sumy State University in Sumy, Ukraine. His career has spanned ecological engineering, teaching, and media, demonstrating his adaptability and dedication to lifelong learning. As the first, friendly face visitors see when they arrive at our office, Volodymyr will be instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for all. From greeting clients and answering inquiries to supporting the daily operations of our office, his role is essential in ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for when they visit Chilliwack Hospice Society.

“What excites me about working at the Society is the chance to combine my skills with my passion for supporting others during difficult times,” says Volodymyr. “This organization represents compassion and community, values that resonate deeply with me as someone who has experienced the power of connection and inclusion firsthand.”

Volodymyr’s journey as a newcomer to Canada enriches our organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. His unique perspective enhances our ability to serve a community that is itself diverse and growing. His warm personality, empathy, and enthusiasm for helping others align perfectly with our mission to support individuals and families dealing with death, dying, and grief.

We are proud to have Volodymyr on our team and look forward to the invaluable contributions he will make as we continue to provide compassionate care and support to those we serve.