Innisfail cancer patients face many challenges but getting to treatment centres should not be one of them.
The Canadian Cancer Society has put a call out to central Albertans to volunteer their vehicles and time to ensure local patients get to and from their appointments at Red Deer's Central Alberta Cancer Centre.
ìWe are in the process of expanding our Volunteer Driver Program to Red Deer,î said Erica Bell, volunteer engagement coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division. ìCancer patients who use this service in other cities tell us it is their lifeline to treatment and consider their drivers crucial to their survival.î
The society intends to begin arranging safe, reliable and free transportation for local patients in February but needs volunteers in communities such as Innisfail. Volunteer drivers should be prepared to drive one day a week and they will be trained and reimbursed for mileage.
ìThe Central Alberta Cancer Society volunteer drive program is an example of a need that would be identified under the Community Mobility Report which will identify transportation options for Innisfail residents who have difficulty accessing programs and services which we are working on,î said Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, Innisfail Family Community Support Services manager. ìAt this point, we have no volunteer drivers with the FCSS but provision of drivers could be a possibility depending on how council chooses to deliver such services.î
She added the upcoming report will require council backing and guidance from stakeholders noting this request shows there are needs waiting to be filled.
ìWe're asking the people of Red Deer and nearby communities such as Innisfail to make a difference for cancer patients by becoming a volunteer today,î said Bell.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.
Interested volunteers can call 403-343-3662 or email [email protected]
