The Canadian Cancer Society鈥檚 (CSS) Wheels of Hope program is seeking volunteers to expand its services throughout the Island and help residents access life-saving cancer treatments in Victoria.
鈥淭hanks to the funding from the B.C. government, we鈥檙e able to continue reducing the financial burden and improve outcomes for people in the province going through cancer treatment,鈥� said Wheels for Hope recruitment staff Mark Kahan.
However, Kahan highlighted the pressing need for more volunteer drivers in areas like Comox, Courtenay, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
鈥淲e need at least 10 people (in the Comox Valley), and 15 would be ideal,鈥� said Kahan. 鈥淲e want to ensure that we can give our current volunteers a break and provide anyone in need with a ride to their treatment in Victoria.鈥�
The typical schedule involves volunteers departing from the Valley at around 8 a.m. to pick up patients along the way, aiming to reach the BC Cancer facility in Victoria by 10:30 a.m. Once patients have completed their treatments, the vehicle usually leaves Victoria at 2 p.m. to make its way back home.
The program offers the option for volunteers to use a fleet vehicle provided by CCS. Moreover, volunteers can choose to drive their own vehicles, with a mileage reimbursement of 45 cents per kilometre.
Kahan added that while the program is flexible and accommodating to volunteers鈥� schedules, he encourages people to commit for at least six months.
A cause close to his heart, Kahan witnessed firsthand how a small gesture can make a significant impact on others鈥� lives.
鈥淚 actually started out as a volunteer driver. I am a childhood cancer survivor myself and that鈥檚 how I got involved. I just love that I was helping out people in my own community and literally making a difference in someone鈥檚 life. I was actually humbled by just how most of the people are so incredibly grateful for a stranger driving them. These people lifted my spirits up and they鈥檙e just so incredibly grateful for a stranger driving. It really is a great volunteering experience.鈥�
To volunteer at Wheels for Hope, Kahan invites people to contact the organization via email at volunteer@cancer.ca, their toll-free number at 1-888-939-3333, or submit an application at cancer.ca
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