Getting around when you’re battling cancer isn’t easy, which is why the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society can be your wheel man if you’re fighting the disease.
The society organizes volunteer drivers who use their own cars to drive patients back and forth to their appointments, in an area that extends from Horseshoe Bay to Chilliwack.
The need for those drivers is expected to grow by 25 per cent next year, says Bob Smith, president of the society in a news release.
“We need drivers in all the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Health communities,” Smith said.
He said that in the South Delta area currently, the society is doing “marginally good” for drivers, but it also sometimes needs drivers from this area who can help in nearby areas such as Richmond or North Delta.
“But if there’s any individual who is willing to drive, we’d like to talk to them,” he said.
As well, next year, another 100 drivers will be needed as the number of cancer patients grows. This year saw an increase of 31 per cent in trips, compared to last year, he added.
“We would like to talk to anyone who has an interest in joining this organization,” said Smith. “The important thing for us is to find those people who have the compassion we need for taking care of cancer patients.”
Many things slow down over Christmas, but cancer treatments continue as usual.
“We anticipate operating every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, primarily because most treatment centres will be closed or offer minimal service those days. We answer the call virtually year-round, and our 420 drivers do it voluntarily,” Smith said.
In the South Delta area, drivers usually take patients to Surrey Memorial Hospital or into Vancouver. If the cancer treatment takes only a half hour or a few hours, drivers can wait, and then drive patients’ home. If the appointment is longer, sometimes another driver will take the patient home.
“Drivers drive when they’re available,” Smith said.
Volunteers are reimbursed 55 cents per kilometre from the point when they leave their house to when they return, but about 20 percent of the drivers just donate that back, he added.
In order to cover the costs of remuneration for drivers’ cars, the society welcomes cash donations, which can be made online at: volunteercancerdrivers.ca.
