Michael Hui
More Than a Ride

“It’s not just a ride. It’s a life-changing journey.”

When Michael returned to Canada after nearly 20 years abroad, he wanted more than just to settle back into his neighbourhood; he wanted to become part of it again. After spotting a Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society poster at his local library, he discovered an opportunity that fit both his schedule and his desire to make a meaningful difference.

What he didn’t expect was how much the experience would change him.

One of Michael’s very first patients, Doug, loved sharing stories from his years working on a poultry farm. Those conversations quickly taught Michael that volunteering isn’t only about getting someone safely to an appointment.

“It’s the conversation that matters,” he says. “It helps patients relax, distracts them from the stress of treatment, and reminds them they’re not facing the day alone.”

Over the years, Michael has met remarkable people whose courage continues to inspire him. One patient in particular left a lasting impression: a man in his early 50s participating in a clinical drug trial for prostate cancer. While he desperately wanted the treatment to save his own life, he also carried another hope: that proving the drug worked would make it available for future patients.

“It struck me that he wasn’t only fighting for himself,” Michael reflects. “He was carrying a torch for others who would come after him. That kind of selflessness stays with you.”

Not every ride is filled with conversation. Michael has learned that one of the greatest gifts a volunteer can offer is understanding what each patient needs.

“Some people want to talk, and some simply need quiet. I’ve learned to listen first. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is provide a peaceful space.”

Those experiences have changed how Michael sees the world.

“We often hear people say, ‘What a beautiful day.’ But when a cancer patient says those words, they mean something completely different. For them, a beautiful day is a gift. It reminds me to never take the ordinary for granted.”

The gratitude he receives from patients keeps him coming back, but so does something unexpected: the connections he’s built throughout his community.

“These rides have introduced me to people from so many different cultures and backgrounds. Every drive teaches me something new, and every patient has a story worth hearing.”

For anyone wondering whether volunteering is right for them, Michael offers simple but heartfelt advice:

“It’s not just a rideshare. It’s a life-changing journey. It naturally makes you reflect on your own life, your priorities, and what truly matters.”

At Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, every kilometre driven is about more than transportation. Volunteers like Michael remind us that compassion can be found in a conversation, in shared silence, and in simply being there when someone needs you most.

Thank you, Michael, for the kindness, empathy, and hope you bring to every journey.