Tim O’Brien loves to connect with people, but he found fewer opportunities to do so after retiring from his transportation company. Volunteering at Aultman Hospital turned out to be the perfect fit: He can give back to the community while building new relationships.

A Louisville resident, Tim grew up in Canton and is a proud graduate of Louisville’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He volunteers at Aultman two mornings a week, greeting visitors in the Physician Office Building (POB) and helping the mailroom staff.

On Tuesdays, he serves in the POB lobby, welcoming people and helping them find their way around the building. He makes every effort to go above and beyond for patients and visitors, assisting with everything from locating their doctor’s office to accompanying them to their car.

On Thursdays, Tim delivers mail to Aultman colleagues throughout the hospital, giving him a chance to get some exercise, chat with hospital staff and develop friendships.

Tim’s first volunteer experience was with Habitat for Humanity after his parents passed away about seven years ago. They had donated funds for a new home, and Tim and several of his siblings and family members volunteered with the construction of the home. “It gave me a taste of what volunteering is all about,” he said.

Tim chose to volunteer at a hospital after retiring because of his own experience with health issues. “I learned how important it is for hospitals to have kind and courteous people available to help patients,” he said.

He also enjoys learning more about the hospital. But most of all, Tim likes the social aspect of volunteering. “I don’t like to sit at home, and this gives me a chance to get out and make a difference,” he said. “I’ve been around people my whole life, first in sales and then with my transportation company. I love to build rapport and learn about others.”

Tim’s wife Karen recently became a volunteer in the Same Day Surgery department. The O’Briens are proud parents of two grown daughters and have two grandsons.

Tim and Karen also like to travel. In September, they visited Ireland – a trip that had long been on Tim’s bucket list. One of the highlights was a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory, where he gained a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and detail involved in making fine crystal.

At the Titanic museum in Belfast, Tim and his wife found two O’Briens listed among the survivors. And he and Karen connected with two people during the trip who have become good friends.

Tim’s advice for anyone considering volunteering at Aultman: “If you enjoy people and creating a positive atmosphere, this is a great place to be.”

If you’d like to volunteer at Aultman Health System, we have many opportunities available at our facilities in Alliance, Canton and Orrville. Visit aultman.org/volunteer for more information.