Despite having a long-standing presence in Nanaimo, not everyone knows of the local Canadian Cancer Society office or its role in the community.
Wigs and prostheses are lent at no charge and applications for the Travel Treatment Fund, a program that subsidizes the expenses associated with traveling to appointments, are available to cancer patients. The society also offers a peer-to-peer program called Cancer Connection, which matches those on a cancer journey (patients and caregivers) with a volunteer who has had similar experiences.
Volunteers play an integral role in these programs. Community members are invited to attend an open house on Saturday (Feb. 20) from 1-3 p.m., at local Canadian Cancer Society office at 777 Poplar St. to learn more about programs and volunteer opportunities.
Marjorie Driscoll, executive director of Volunteer Nanaimo, will speak about volunteering in 2016.
The Nanaimo Canadian Cancer Society office and wig room is operated by volunteers as are its many other programs and campaigns. Cancer Connection, Relay for Life, Tour de Rock and the daffodil campaign are all volunteer-driven.
“Volunteers are the energy and passion behind so much of what we do. We are fortunate to have volunteers committed to our mission and values,” says Tracy Berg, the mid-Island coordinator who works out of the Nanaimo office.
In addition to the client services that the Canadian Cancer Society provides, the society also offers its volunteers and community members the opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills through a Workforce Leadership program. Information about this learning opportunity and upcoming sessions will be available at the open house.
For more information, please call 250-741-8180.