By Angie Sullivan
Georgina resident Dianne was recently diagnosed with cancer and had no way to get to her first two appointments, but finally secured a ride with Wheels of Hope on Thursday, Sept. 18.
“This was my first trip with them, but my third time trying to schedule a ride. Jan Osborne picked me up and she was absolutely wonderful,” said Dianne.
Unfortunately, this is a predicament many patients battling cancer face: They have no way to get to their appointments. Wheels of Hope is in great need of drivers in Georgina. Currently, the program only has one volunteer, and at least five are needed.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program helps patients who have no way of traveling for life-saving treatment get to their cancer treatment appointments.
Janice Osborne of Pefferlaw has been volunteering for over 23 years. “Some friends of mine had cancer two decades ago, and they found it difficult to get to their appointments. Twenty years ago, you had to go to either Princess Margaret or Sunnybrook Hospital. I’m retired, and it feels good to help those who need a helping hand.”
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator for Wheels of Hope, Mark Kahan, said, “We are at a point where we are having to decline ride requests only due to not having enough volunteer drivers.”
Requirements are straightforward: volunteers need a valid driver’s license, a smoke-free vehicle, and the ability to commit for at least six months. A background check and references are required, but scheduling is flexible, and holidays or time away are no problem.
That’s where local volunteers can make an extraordinary difference. By giving just a half-day a week or a few days each month, drivers can provide comfort, dignity, and peace of mind to people navigating one of life’s toughest challenges.
Beyond the human connection, volunteer drivers are reimbursed for mileage or can receive a tax receipt. If you live outside Georgina, please still reach out. Drivers are needed in many small communities.
To sign up, visit VolunteerCancer.ca and click on Wheels of Hope, email Volunteer@Cancer.ca, or call 1-888-939-3333.
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