Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society to expand, seeks volunteers
Organization looks to double volunteer base as demand increases
The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is looking to double its volunteer base as the organization expands to more cities in the Lower Mainland.
In addition to most municipalities in the region, the society recently added coverage in Burnaby, New Westminster, Chilliwack and Richmond. This fall, they are expected to bring operations to Vancouver.
VCDS president Bob Smith told Peace Arch News this week that the expansion is due to other similar services discontinuing in the region. In fact, the society first got its start after the Canadian Cancer Society seized its cancer patient driving program in 2016.
Read the Full Article online at Maple Ridge News
Left: Kelly Velonis. Right: George McAffer. Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Chilliwack Progress - Jennifer Feinberg photo
The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is pleased to be hitting the roads of Chilliwack starting July 19th to provide transportation for cancer patients in need to their essential treatments. We will start accepting ride bookings on July 12th. It's a wonderful story of collaboration which started by longtime resident of Chilliwack and advocate for healthier lives for seniors in her community, Kelly Velonis Executive Director of the Chilliwack and District Seniors’ Society.
The VCDS was approached by Kelly in the Spring asking us to extend our volunteer driving organization for Chilliwack cancer patients. Right now our service is expanding to Richmond then Vancouver, we knew Chilliwack should become part of that plan.
Kelly was instrumental in getting the word out and helping recruit new volunteer drivers through her many channels and connections in the community. On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of the volunteer dispatchers and drivers – Thank you Kelly.
Join our Community of Volunteers today.
www.volunteercancerdrivers.ca/volunteer/become-champions-of-your-community
Volunteer driver Harry brings a little fun to little ones and their parents. His contribution to his community is as exceptional as the children he drives to treatment. Harry says...
The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society has been incredibly lucky to have Laura as one of our amazing volunteers. Laura has such a fabulous attitude. She has this go-getter energy that's hard to match. She has been very busy sewing over 200 masks for our drivers on top of filling in where ever needed as a relief dispatcher, matching drivers to patients in the New Westminster and Burnaby region.
George Garrett’s passionate vision of helping others is a role model to which all community volunteers aspire. The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society and the many cancer patients served applaud his selection as Volunteer Leader of the year. An honour truly deserved. Bob Smith - VCDS President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20th, 2020
George Garrett, Co-Founder of VCDS Retires;
Launches Legacy Giving Program for Cancer Drivers
John McInnes on the left, George Garrett to the right.
Lower Mainland, BC. George Garrett—award-winning reporter, beloved community champion and a co-founder of the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society has announced his retirement from the Board of the Society, effective August 31st, 2020.
The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society has received a five-year significant donation from the R. Howard Webster Foundation/Fondation R. Howard Webster of Montreal.
President Bob Smith says
"The donation will not only meet immediate needs, but it also helps us build for the future."
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Media
Driver Recruitment;
Maple Ridge News
Read Article | Maple Ridge News
Driver Recruitment;
Chilliwack
Read Article | Chilliwack Progress
George Garrett Retires;
setting VCDS up for the Future
Read Article | Peace Arch News
George Garrett Retires
Read Article | Cloverdale Reporter
Co-Founder George Garrett Retires
Read Article | Delta Optimist
Back in The Drivers Seat
Read Article | Delta Optimist
VCDS Set to Resume Service
Read Article | Delta Optimist
Volunteer Driver-Harry Kroeker
Read Article | Langley Advance Times
Service To Resume
Watch Video | CTV News
Connecting with Patients
Read Article | North Shore News
No Rides for Tri-City Cancer Patients
Read Article | Tri-City News
Suspends Service Amid Pandemic
Read Article | Aldergrove Star
Leap Year Birthday
Read Article | North Delta Reporter
City Of Delta $5,000 Grant
Read Article | Delta Optimist
Compassionate Citizens Help
Read Article | Surrey Cares Org
In memory of Debbie Froese
Read Article | Aldergrove Star
Increase in Demand
Read Article | Tri-City News
Driver Helps Make Life Bearable
Read Article-pg 17 | Langley Advance e-News
Read PDF Version | PDF
Christmas Dream Fulfilled
Read Article | Delta Optimist
Courage of Cancer Patient
Read Article-pg 13 | Cloverdale Reporter
Read PDF Version | PDF
Driver in retirement.
Read Article | Maple Ridge News
Raising money to cover costs
Video Interview | Langley Advance Times
Cloverdale’s Envision Financial
First West Foundation
Read Article |Surrey Now Leader
Charity Car Washes...
Read Article | Langley Advance News
Students Bottle Drive Success
Interview | Surrey Now Leader
‘Intrepid reporter’ George Garrett reflects on CKNW’s 75-year history
Interview | Glowbal News
George Garrett with Lynda Steele
Interview | CKNW
Rising Costs; Increasing Demands
Read Article | The Province
An increasing need for more Punjabi and Hindi-speaking drivers
Read Article | Surrey Now Leader
The John Daily Show
Listen | CKNW
Larry Coleman thoughtful interview.
Read Article | Tri-City News BC
Raising $8,000
Read Article | Surrey Now Leader
George Garrett with Simi Sara
Listen | Mornings with Simi