Drivers wanted

Canadian Cancer Society works to bridge gap left by MedExpress closure

Some of the Northshore comunities the society hopes to organize transportation from.

Crystal Jewell Rajala, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for the Canadian
Cancer Society’s Thunder Bay Unit was in Manitouwadge March 11^th to meet with volunteers interested in becoming drivers for cancer patients in need of travel to Thunder Bay. The driver program has been serving Thunder Bay for 20 years primarily providing transportation to people between appointments within the city but as Greyhound services are reduced and in light of the discontinuation of the MedExpress bus service from Manitouwadge General Hospital, the Cancer Society has been working diligently to establish a regional network of drivers trained and ready for Northshore patients requiring transportation to Thunder Bay. Rajala explained to those in attendance the importance of the service being offered in the lives of those battling cancer “You will be providing a vital service to those battling cancer in your community” said Rajala emphasizing that the job, which has volunteers transporting people in various stages of their battle with cancer, is not for everyone.  

Attendees had the opportunity to bring questions forward to Rajala who will be returning to Manitouwadge, and neighbouring communities, March 29^th
and 30^th with Community Programs Consultant Kiri Butter who provides driver training for volunteers of the program.  Volunteer drivers will be interviewed to assess their suitability to the job, they must have a clean driving record (fewer than 3 demerits), a reliable vehicle, and adequate insurance coverage; the Canadian Cancer Society will provide Community Services Training which takes just a few hours and will reimburse drivers for travel expenses at a variety of per/km levels .  Those interested in volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society should contact Rajala toll free at 1-800-227-5557 ext 3513; persons requiring transportation through the service should call the Thunder Bay office to register as a client, 3 days minimum notice is required to provide coordination of the ride. 

Submitted to The Echo, the Marathon Mercury, and the Chronicle Journal.