The Canadian Cancer Society’s “Wheels of Hope” program has run for more than 70 years across Canada, helping transport cancer patients from their homes to treatment centres.
All the drivers are volunteers and give their time to help support those in need.
The program runs along all of Vancouver Island, and those in remote areas can access pick-up spots along the way.
“There are some areas where we don’t have a lot of drivers, particularly in the west-to-east area, like Tofino. What we have done historically is supplement the area with cabs to a pick-up spot and then a driver can get them down Highway 19,” said Tanya Nixon, director of practical services for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Once a patient is in Victoria, the Canadian Cancer Society provides a lodge for patients to stay at during their treatment, be it days or weeks, referenced as a 'home away from home.'
“We have a lodge for cancer patients in Victoria so often people are staying at the lodge. Anyone in British Columbia can stay. [There is] no cost at our lodge. Then the drivers can take them back home again at the end of their treatment.”
The program was run by the Freemason’s Cancer Car Program for over 30 years but once COVID-19 hit, they no longer could run the program. That is when the Canadian Cancer Society upped its call for volunteers and made their services along the island.
“For the past four years or so, we have been operating the program there as Wheels of Hope,” said Nixon.
Any cancer patient can book a trip with 48 hours' notice by calling 1-888-939-3333. A volunteer will be paired with them to make their journey safe and comfortable to Victoria for their treatment.
“That calls into our dispatchers and our team that works in Vancouver arranges rides. This works for people around northern British Columbia, the Kootenays, the Interior and Vancouver Island.”
To become a volunteer driver for Wheels of Hope, a full license for at least two to three years and a clean driver’s abstract is required. A background check is also completed on volunteers. References are sought and checked before the volunteer can drive patients. Potential volunteers can call the 1-888-939-3333 number to get information on the steps they need to take.
“We have fleet vehicles that volunteers may drive but a lot of them drive their own cars. They have volunteered not only their time but also their vehicle so we need them to carry at least a million-dollar liability,” said Nixon.
Not only does the Canadian Cancer Society help with the Wheels of Hope program but they also have a support group online for patients, family and friends of those in treatment. It can be reached at www.cancerconnection.ca.
"It’s an online portal forum for support and there’s lots of different groups for family members, caregivers, children and parents of children going through cancer treatment. It’s just a really good group. And it is internationally recognized.”
The online community helps educate and support everyone who is affected by the cancer diagnosis.
“Even if you have a challenging moment at 3 a.m., there is probably someone who will respond because everyone is so helpful and supportive,” shared Nixon.
The Canadian Cancer Society does its best to support all those in need of help and information through these programs.
“We do our best to make sure anybody going through a cancer experience doesn't have to worry about this stuff. The practical stuff is not where you want to be worrying or thinking about so our goal is to make that easy.”
