More Than 400 Drivers On The Growing Roster Of Volunteers Who Do Great Service For Cancer Patients!

The need for cancer treatment doesn’t vanish just because the holiday season and the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society (VCDS) were answering the call almost every day throughout the period to drive patients to their treatments. “By the end of 2023, we will have provided more than 31,000 rides to clinics all over Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and we’ll continue to do so right into the New Year,” says Bob Smith, president of VCDS. “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.”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – The need for cancer treatment doesn’t vanish just because the holiday season and the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society (VCDS) were answering the call almost every day throughout the period to drive patients to their treatments.

“By the end of 2023, we will have provided more than 31,000 rides to clinics all over Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and we’ll continue to do so right into the New Year,” says Bob Smith, president of VCDS. “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.”

“Almost everyone knows someone who’s battled cancer. They may have a friend or family member who’s had to get regular treatments.  Sometimes, a driver may have had cancer themselves. No one understands better the need to give a helping hand to others.”

“The need for drivers is forecast to increase 25 per cent in 2024 and we continue to welcome volunteer drivers with cars interested in helping,” Smith adds. “We need drivers in all the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Health communities. The patients we serve appreciate the personal attention they get, and most of our drivers will tell you they get as much out of the experience as the people they’re driving.  It’s truly rewarding.”

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer driver can find more information at www.volunteercancerdrivers.ca.

ABOUT VOLUNTEER CANCER DRIVERS SOCIETY

Incorporated as a not-for-profit society in 2016, VCDS is an all-volunteer registered charity with 450 volunteers including drivers, dispatchers, support members and the VCDS board.

VCDS DRIVER PROFILE

Drivers are “service-to-others” minded and able to make Monday to Friday clinic times using their own vehicle to provide door-to-door patient service. Driving schedules are flexible and are based on the volunteer’s availability.

VCDS drivers come from a wide range of backgrounds, predominately retired and often with a link to family, friend or personal experience with cancer.

Drivers are offered a vehicle allowance per kilometre.  In 2023, VCDS drivers are projected to drive patients over 800,000 kilometres.

VCDS FUNDING

As a community-funded service we are entirely reliant on our volunteer efforts to generate donations and grants from foundations, corporations, patients, the public, municipalities, first responders, service clubs and associations, and from our own volunteer members.  If you would like to support the VCDS in its mission, you can find more information at https://volunteercancerdrivers.ca/ways-to-donate/