Words & Photo Brian Losie, Cancer DriveLine Society
I was watching a news item on CHEK TV, when I heard the story about a wonderful group of volunteers and their amazing organization called Cancer DriveLine Society.
Prior to 2015, the Canadian Cancer Society operated a service that provided free door-to-door transportation for cancer patients to take them to their cancer-related appointments – often for people who had no one else to call for help. When the Cancer Society’s B.C. branch suddenly announced it was cancelling the service, the volunteers leapt into action and less than two months later, the Cancer DriveLine Society was born.
This news item hit close to home for me, as both my daughter and wife, at different times, had shuttled to the Cancer Clinic for treatments. Most days I drove them; it really created a bonding experience while we commuted from Central Saanich and then Sidney. I recognized how fortunate my family was to have me to lean on for their transportation needs, when some days it took all their strength just to face another day of treatment.
I approached the Cancer DriveLine Society to volunteer (my wife told me I HAD to find something to do!) and was invited on a familiarization trip with one of the Volunteer Drivers. Later, after some rigid protocols reviewing my suitability, I was accepted as a Volunteer Driver and soon after was assigned three drives, all from Sidney.
While I get mileage from the Society, the satisfaction of knowing I am providing a much-needed service is an “intrinsic” paycheck and a rewarding experience in and of itself.
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In 2024, the Cancer DriveLine Society provided some 286 rides that originated on the Peninsula, driving approximately 18,481 km. While the Society is run 100% by volunteers, who serve on the board, as dispatchers and drivers, it relies on sponsors and donations to continue to provide these valuable services at no charge to our clients.
For ride requests, call 778-265-0906 or email cancerdrivelinedispatcher@gmail.com. For more information visit www.cancerdriveline.ca.
