Grab on to Wheels of Hope

Volunteers drive cancer patients to, from appointments

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If you’re driven to volunteer, give Wheels of Hope a spin.

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If you’re driven to volunteer, give Wheels of Hope a spin.

The Canadian Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for the program, which offers rides to Manitobans with cancer who need help getting to and from their appointments.

“The best part of volunteering with Wheels of Hope is meeting the variety of very interesting clients who we provide rides for,” said volunteer John Carey. “They are always so appreciative of the service.”

‘The best part of volunteering with Wheels of Hope is meeting the variety of very interesting clients who we provide rides for,’ says volunteer John Carey. (Mike Deal / Free Press)
‘The best part of volunteering with Wheels of Hope is meeting the variety of very interesting clients who we provide rides for,’ says volunteer John Carey. (Mike Deal / Free Press)

People use the service for a variety of reasons. Some may not be able to operate a vehicle after their treatment, others don’t have a vehicle or driver’s licence and some don’t have friends or family they can rely on during workday hours.

“Many have mentioned they would have had a very difficult time getting to their scheduled appointments without Wheels of Hope,” Carey said. “The gratitude they have for Wheels of Hope and CancerCare Manitoba overall is very inspiring.”

The 62-year-old retiree was looking for a volunteer opportunity to fill some of his free time when he found out about Wheels of Hope in November 2022.

He liked the idea of a volunteer commitment that would get him out and about in the community and where every day would be different.

Carey worked in the automotive industry for 35 years before he and his brother sold their car dealership in 2016.

He sees parallels between his career and his voluntarism: both involve working with an organization that consists of amazing people who are dedicated to providing the best service possible to the clients they serve.

“While no one really wants to be a client of CancerCare Manitoba, this amazing organization does an outstanding job of making the journey go as smoothly as possible with the support of Wheels of Hope under sometimes very difficult circumstances,” Carey said.

Volunteer opportunities

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

______________________

The Manitoba 55+ Games host committee needs volunteers to join the team for the upcoming games in Brandon. There’s a role for everyone, whether it’s lending a hand at registration, assisting at various events or helping to transport items to venues. The games are happening June 18 to June 20, with additional setup working starting on June 16. Volunteers of all ages, from teens to seniors, are welcome. Individuals, families and groups of friends are encouraged to volunteer. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively are assets. Email brandonmb55games@gmail.com by May 15.

Swim Manitoba needs volunteers to join its board as directors at large. Those elected will commit to upholding the board and committee code of conduct, reflecting the organization’s dedication to representing Manitoba’s diverse community. A range of needed skills, from strategic planning to marketing, are beneficial, as is a background in competitive speed swimming, but all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The role promises experience in governance, policy development and event planning. It requires a commitment to evening and weekend (virtual or in-person) board meetings, with a term of three years. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Email swim.ed@sportmanitoba.ca by May 24.

First Tee — Prairies needs assistant golf coaches to help lead in the delivery of First Tee programming. They will work to ensure locations, participants and parents/guardians have the tools they need, from managing equipment to promoting the program’s benefits. They will also mentor young participants in volunteer and fundraising efforts. No experience is needed because training is provided, along with certifications in Safe Sport and Respect in Sport. Volunteers must be over 18 and commit to evening and weekend sessions from May to September. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Apply at firstteeprairies@golfcanada.ca or http://wfp.to/yOm by May 30.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba needs service-oriented, reliable volunteers to join its team in supporting families during challenging times. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks, such as giving house tours, meal preparation and light administrative duties. Shifts are flexible, with options for daytime, evening and weekend involvement. A commitment of at least one shift every two weeks at the Winnipeg location is required. Criminal record and child-abuse registry checks are required, with the cost of the latter reimbursed. Apply at http://wfp.to/yOu by Dec. 31.

The TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival needs volunteers. Available roles include box office, merchandise sales, working at the bar, stage and setup, conducting raffles and surveys, ensuring event safety and supporting environmental initiatives. Must be 18 or older and willing to commit at least 20 hours over four to five shifts during the festival, which runs from June 14 to June 22. Daytime, evening and weekend shifts are available. Apply at http://wfp.to/yvW by May 24.

The Canadian Health Libraries Association needs help for its annual conference. It’s happening in Winnipeg from June 11 to June 14. No experience in health libraries is necessary, and a training session will be provided before the conference. French speakers are encouraged to apply, but conference proceedings will be mostly in English. Various roles are available, including registration desk assistants and runners. Must be 18 or older and commit to at least one two-hour shift during the conference. Apply at http://wfp.to/yvi by June 4.

Valley Gardens Community Centre needs event volunteers for its annual Family Fun Day on June 8. Volunteers who are enthusiastic and have a friendly disposition will supervise activity stations, help with cleanup and act as ambassadors for the club. No specific skills are required, but volunteers must be 18 or older. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any contribution of time is appreciated. Email vgcc@shaw.ca by June 5.

Beausejour Daylily Gardens needs “garden angels.” Volunteers must have a passion for the great outdoors and not be afraid to get their hands dirty. The volunteers will adopt a section of the garden and be given all the necessary tools and guidance. The program is designed to accommodate the schedules of volunteers. Must be 16 or older. Small groups of family and friends, and larger corporate or school groups, are encouraged to apply. Apply at beausejourdaylilygardens@gmail.com or 204-266-1311 by Oct. 31.

The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.

Drivers often shuttle the same clients to their appointments on multiple occasions and get a chance to build a rapport with them in the process.

For Carey, it’s always a special day when he drives a client to their final treatment and they get to ring the bell symbolizing the conclusion of that particular treatment.

“It’s nice to have played a small role in helping to get the clients to their appointments so they can receive the life-saving treatments provided by CancerCare,” Carey said.

Volunteers must be willing to undergo a criminal background check and provide references.

They need a driver’s licence with three or fewer demerits and operate a smoke-free vehicle. Wheels of Hope also owns a fleet of vehicles volunteers can use.

Volunteers need to be available on weekdays and are asked to volunteer a half-day each week or a few days a month for at least six months.

To sign up, visit volunteercancer.ca. For more information, email volunteer@cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333.

“Wheels of Hope provides such a vital service to such a very large cross-section of our community,” Carey said, adding that many families have been touched by cancer — including his own.

“To be able to give back a small amount of time to allow the wheels of this amazing organization to keep rolling is definitely rewarding.”

If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@gmail.com.

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