When Pinchas Gutter walks through the halls of Baycrest, he brings with him a lifetime of experience shaped by resilience, loss and a deep commitment to helping others.
Born in Poland, Pinchas was eight years old when the Nazis occupied his city during the Second World War. He lost his parents and twin sister in the Holocaust and spent five years as a slave labourer. In the decades since, he has dedicated himself to ensuring future generations understand the consequences of hatred and the importance of compassion.
For more than 25 years, Pinchas has volunteered at Baycrest, offering companionship, spiritual support and leadership to a community that became his home.
“I believe that every person who can, should get involved in helping people that need help,” he says. “The most important aspect of being human is finding a way to help people, even a little bit.”
National Volunteer Week, taking place April 19 to 25, celebrates Canadians who strengthen communities through volunteerism. At Baycrest, Pinchas is a powerful example of how one person’s commitment can shape lives.
His dedication to volunteering began in 1977 in South Africa, where he joined the Committee of the Old Age Home. After moving to Canada, he continued that work and was later encouraged to volunteer at Baycrest, where he quickly became deeply involved.
Over the years, Pinchas took on many roles. He volunteered with the Men’s Service Group, later serving as Chair, worked with the Women’s Auxiliary and joined the Board as Treasurer and Secretary. He also contributed during the development of Baycrest’s current campus and trained with a former Baycrest rabbi to support residents and families as a chaplain.
Despite these roles, Pinchas describes his approach simply.
“I started doing all kinds of things,” he says. “I think there was nothing at Baycrest I didn’t do. I could support people when they needed it. I didn’t do fantastic things. I just did what I needed to do.”
For Pinchas, helping others is rooted in a simple belief.
Despite his global work as an educator and speaker, some of the moments he values most have come through volunteering.
“Just being at Baycrest and trying to help was such a joy,” he says. “It gave me enormous pleasure to interact with other volunteers and make friends. I was able to help people. It was a fantastic experience. It was home.”
Baycrest proudly recognizes the volunteers who give their time and compassion to support residents, patients and families. During National Volunteer Week and throughout the year, their contributions strengthen our community and enrich lives every day.
Interested in volunteering at Baycrest? Contact [email protected] or call 416-785-2500 ext. 2572 to learn more.