Shaffin Jetha
Every Ride Makes a Difference

“Every ride is a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”

When Shaffin first thought about volunteering, he simply wanted to give back to the community he calls home. But life had other plans.

After his mother suffered a stroke, Shaffin visited her in hospital every day. During those visits, he saw firsthand the challenges patients and their families faced. Watching so many people struggle through difficult times changed his perspective and inspired him to find a way to help.

Then he saw an advertisement looking for Volunteer Cancer Drivers.

“I straight away realized that I’d been given the answer.”

That decision has now touched the lives of countless patients.

From his very first drives, Shaffin discovered that volunteering brought him a deep sense of fulfilment, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He treasures the kindness and gratitude shown by so many patients, while understanding that those facing illness may sometimes be overwhelmed by fear, pain, or uncertainty.

One patient, however, will always stay with him. During a ride, she quietly shared that her doctors had told her she had only a few weeks left to live. She had begun giving away her belongings and putting her affairs in order. That conversation has remained with Shaffin ever since.

“Life should not be taken for granted.”

Experiences like these have shaped the way he sees the world.

“Volunteering has made me a more accommodating and better person. I’ve learned not to take anything for granted because you never know what someone else is going through.”

Like every volunteer, there are days when Shaffin feels tired before heading out on a drive. But then he reminds himself why he does it.

“I know I’m making a difference in someone’s life. Patients are depending on us to get them to their appointments, and that thought makes me ready for every ride.”

His message to anyone considering volunteering is simple and heartfelt:

“Just go for it. You’ll never regret it. Your life will be changed for the better. You’ll become a better person, experience incredible satisfaction, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.”

For Shaffin, volunteering isn’t only about transportation. It’s about the conversations, the smiles, and the reassurance patients receive during what can be one of the hardest times in their lives.

“The interaction between drivers and patients helps people feel happy, secure, and supported. Sometimes, knowing someone is there for you makes all the difference.”

Thank you, Shaffin, for your compassion, your generosity, and the thousands of kilometres you’ve travelled to ensure no patient has to face their cancer journey alone. Your kindness reminds us that the greatest gift we can give is simply being there for someone when they need us most.