Through the Lens of Service: Michael’s Impact at CGMH

In the picture: Michael in action as he takes a shot of Amanda Pauley in the MRI Suite.

For many, a hospital visit can feel overwhelming. Now imagine being greeted by a volunteer whose warm smile and calm presence instantly put you at ease. That’s Michael Gray Wheeler—a valued member of CGMH’s volunteer team whose kindness and dedication leave a lasting impression.

After retiring in 2023, Michael and his wife chose Collingwood for its natural beauty and strong sense of community. Wanting to stay engaged, he joined CGMH as a volunteer and quickly took on multiple roles: Patient and Family Advisor, assisting in CT and X-ray, and supporting the front desk when needed.

Michael’s comfort in a hospital setting comes from decades in healthcare IT. His career began in Montreal at the Jewish General Hospital while studying Media and Digital Imaging. Blending healthcare and photography sparked a passion that led him to become a clinical applications trainer and later a director with AGFA Healthcare, where he built training centers and worked with Radiologists, Clinicians, and Technologists across North America.

“I’ve been to hundreds of hospitals,” Michael shares. “I used to do workflow assessments at large institutions like Boston General. I can tell you, CGMH is running incredibly well.”

Michael’s artistic side also shines at CGMH. The Foundation often invites him to capture special moments through his photography—something he finds deeply rewarding. “There are unique moments every day,” he says. “If we slow down and train our eyes to see them, life becomes that much richer.”

Beyond CGMH, Michael volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Golden Rescue, and GTHS Marketing, continuing a legacy of service that began over 25 years ago with the Lions Club.

Michael’s story reminds us how one person’s talents and generosity can ripple through a community. His dedication—inside and outside CGMH—reflects the vibrant volunteer spirit that makes our hospital so special. Interested in volunteering at CGMH? Contact Sadie Nixon at [email protected].