Have you been thinking about giving back to your community? Now is the time. Volunteer drivers urgently needed to take cancer patients to their treatments, offering not just a ride but a sense of hope and care along the way.
The Canadian Cancer Society is calling for support. Its Wheels of Hope program is serving more communities across the Kootenays, but the need for volunteers is growing.
“In the past year, we’ve expanded the program to the Kootenay, supporting more British Columbians going to cancer treatment,” said Mark Kahan, volunteer coordinator at the Canadian Cancer Society.
“The main area where we need volunteer drivers or Cranbrook, Castlegar- where we do have fleet vehicles- but we also need people in Trail, Nelson, Creston, Fernie, Invermere, Golden, and Grand Forks, all over where we run the program.”
“We can’t do it alone. To take on cancer, it really does take a society of people. So, my plea is that if you like to drive and enjoy chatting with people and have a few days a month a spare, please consider signing up.”
While some fleet vehicles are available, volunteers using their own transportation will receive mileage reimbursement so they are not out of pocket.
“The wonderful part is that becoming a volunteer driver, you’re literally making a difference in someone’s life right from your own community.”
Volunteer requirements include:
- Monday to Friday availability — ideally a half day per week or a few days per month — ongoing for at least six months. The program is very flexible and will accommodate vacations and other personal commitments
- A valid driver’s license with three or fewer demerits and access to a 100% smoke-free vehicle
- Willingness to complete a criminal background check and provide references.
“We know that someone can’t find a ride to treatment they don’t go, and that’s something we never want to see happen, so that’s why we’re hoping to get more people involved with Wheels of Hope, and they themselves can feel the difference their making in someone’s life.” said Kahan.
For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society.
