Volunteer Spotlight:
Steve Scott’s Lifetime of Giving Back

When Steve Scott reached out to share that he had been awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, it quickly became clear the recognition was only part of the story.

Behind the award are more than four decades of service, leadership, and compassion. Steve’s volunteer journey began 44 years ago when he and his wife were new to Tsawwassen. Looking for ways to get involved, Steve joined the Lions Club while his wife became active with another volunteer organization. What started as a way to meet people became a lifelong commitment to giving back.

Over the years, Steve has shared his time and talents with many organizations, including the Delta Stroke Recovery Society, where he helped modernize financial systems and strengthen operations. He has also played an important role with the annual Tsawwassen Sun Festival, a beloved community celebration. Steve has volunteered with the Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club, Delta Police, Delta Assist, and during the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics.

His commitment to helping others eventually led him to the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society. After seeing an advertisement, Steve met VCDS board member Mac. The two quickly connected and worked together to expand services into the Vancouver area, helping build the foundation for a larger volunteer network supporting cancer patients throughout the region.

While Steve has contributed in many ways behind the scenes, it is the people he has met who have left the greatest impression. One patient in particular, Amy, remains close to his heart. Amy travelled to Lions Gate Hospital each month for treatment and relied on volunteer drivers to get there. She once told Steve how important VCDS was in her life.

“If I had to take a taxi home, I couldn’t eat the next day.”

For Steve, moments like that are a powerful reminder that transportation is about much more than getting from one place to another. It is about reducing stress, preserving dignity, and ensuring people can access care without additional financial hardship.

Steve’s lifetime of service was recognized in 2022 when he was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, a national honour recognizing exceptional volunteer achievements. Due to COVID-related delays, recipients were given several options for receiving their award, including having it mailed directly to them.

For Steve, the choice was easy. His family wanted the presentation to be something they could share together. More than 50 family members and friends gathered in Tsawwassen for a special celebration, sharing stories, raising a toast, and reflecting on the impact Steve has made. Having his children and grandchildren there was what mattered most.

“I wanted them to see it,” Steve said. “I wanted them to understand the importance of giving back.”

That sentiment reflects something Steve thinks about often. He hopes younger generations will discover how rewarding volunteerism can be and how much communities depend on people willing to step forward. His compassion has also been shaped by his own experiences with hearing loss, which helped deepen his understanding of obstacles others may not always see.

Family remains at the centre of Steve’s life. He and his wife continue to volunteer side by side, supporting causes they care deeply about. Together, they are proud parents, grandparents to four energetic grandchildren, and partners in a shared commitment to making their community stronger.

When asked why he continues to volunteer after so many years, Steve’s answer is simple. He and his wife have been fortunate. They are healthy, active, and able to help. Giving back is their way of sharing that good fortune with others.

“We’ve been lucky in life, and there are so many people who haven’t had the same advantages. If we can give back and help others, why wouldn’t we?”

That spirit of generosity, humility, and compassion is what makes Steve such a valued member of the VCDS family.