Maria Kirkham — Burnaby resident
The Rewards of Giving Back

“The rewards of volunteering are far greater than the effort you give.”

When Marie Kirkham retired, she knew she wanted to continue giving back. Then, in early 2020, the world changed. As COVID-19 put volunteer opportunities on hold, Marie wondered where she could make a difference.

One evening, while watching the news, she saw a story about Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society looking for volunteer drivers.

“I thought, ‘What a great idea.’”

Having spent her career working in healthcare with adults with special needs, helping others had always been part of who she was. Becoming a volunteer driver felt like a natural next step, and one she has never regretted.

For Marie, volunteering has been both eye-opening and deeply rewarding.

“One of the biggest things I learned was the true cost of cancer. Even after working in healthcare, I never really understood how a diagnosis could affect every part of a person’s life—the financial strain, the impact on families, the loss of work, and sometimes even the loss of a home.”

Yet alongside those challenges, Marie has discovered something extraordinary.

“The people I drive have an incredible human spirit. They’re facing this horrible disease, but they still find reasons to laugh, smile, and enjoy the moment. They allow me to be part of their lives, and that brings me joy.”

Rather than focusing on illness during the drive, Marie enjoys sharing stories, talking about travel, gardens, books, and life’s adventures. One passenger has left a lasting impression.

“She’s an older Filipino woman, and we laugh the entire trip. I gave her a collection of books, and she’s been such a joy to know. She finds humour in everything, and her faith gives her incredible strength.”

While language barriers can sometimes be a challenge, Marie has learned that kindness, patience, and a smile often say more than words ever could.

Volunteering has also transformed Marie’s own retirement.

“It filled a gap for me. I’d spent so many years as a caregiver, and volunteering brought me back to helping people. It gives me purpose.”

She believes retirement should be about more than slowing down.

“I tell everyone to volunteer. You can’t golf every day, and you need something that keeps you connected, motivated, and engaged. Especially if you live alone, volunteering keeps you connected to the world. It gives you purpose and reminds you that life is about helping others.”

Marie is passionate about encouraging other retirees to consider volunteering.

“The rewards are so much greater than the effort. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, this is something almost anyone can do. You’re driving, but you’re also giving someone peace of mind, companionship, and hope.”

She is also quick to recognize that every volunteer driver is supported by an incredible team behind the scenes.

“The dispatchers and everyone working behind the scenes make it all possible. Their support allows us to simply focus on being there for our passengers. It truly takes a village.”

Whether she’s tending her garden, planning her next adventure to Europe, or driving a patient to treatment, Marie continues to live by a simple belief: helping others enriches your own life.

Thank you, Marie, for your compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our patients. Your kindness reminds us that every ride is more than transportation—it’s a connection, a conversation, and a reminder that no one faces cancer alone.