Watch above: The Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Cancer Society is putting out the call to volunteer drivers. Meaghan Craig tells us why there is such a need.
SASKATOON – Every year, more than 5,500 people in Saskatchewan are diagnosed with cancer. Some require upwards of 30 cancer treatments and at times a way to get there.
“This is a need, there are people out there who have no way to get to their treatments and maybe aren’t able to pay each and every day,” said Faye Scheu.
Scheu, a retired costumer service representative, said she always knew she would volunteer one day and missed having one-on-one exchanges with people. When she saw an ad in the paper seeking volunteer drivers for the Canadian Cancer Society, she knew that was it.
Now, she devotes two days a week to helping those with cancer focus on their treatment and not on how they’re going to get to their appointment.
“It’s really, really rewarding.”
Scheu is just one of 17 Canadian Cancer Society volunteer drivers in Saskatoon and 14 in Regina but the society’s Saskatchewan division could always use more.
“We are away during the winter so when we come home I’m really anxious to get right back into the swing of it and I do two days a week that seems for me that’s perfect. Some do more and some do less, it just depends on what you can give.”
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In 2014, volunteer drivers logged 85,921 kilometers shuttling cancer patients back and forth.
“When your day is done and you come home, you just go that was just a great day because they appreciate it so much.”
Last year, volunteer drivers provided 13,043 rides to 746 people requiring cancer treatment, 324 of whom were from rural Saskatchewan.
“They’re in away from their home and their families and so you become very close to them.”
The program is based out of Regina and Saskatoon but those from out of town are picked up at bus depots and dropped back off once their appointment is done.
“They pay us 36 cents a kilometer and I think I’d do it even if they didn’t pay me.”
For eight years, Scheu has played a supportive role to patients as their driver and has seen many conquer cancer. She is still in touch with those she touched by driving them to their treatment.
“It’s just a good thing for people to help other people and I think if they did they would find their life would be more worthwhile.”
For more information on how to become a volunteer, you can call toll free at 1-855-566-5717 or in Regina at 306-566-5717.
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