Local Canadian Cancer Society reaches goal in first annual Wheels of Hope campaign

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By EMC News

EMC News - Canadian Cancer Society volunteers and staff of the Lanark, Leeds & Grenville office are celebrating a successful Wheels of Hope campaign.

"Thanks to the generosity of individuals, community groups and local businesses we have reached our goal of funding 416 rides to cancer treatments this year for local families," says Janice Hopkins, Unit President of the Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Unit. "That will help cover roughly 10 per cent of the 3,900 rides that are usually provided in our area each year."

An unexpected benefit from the campaign was the astounding number of individuals from the community who came forward to generously donate their time and vehicle as volunteer drivers. Although some areas are still in need of drivers, many communities that were struggling before now have a full roster of volunteers waiting to help their neighbours.

The Canadian Cancer Society in Lanark, Leeds & Grenville launched Wheels of Hope in September as a way to help raise much-needed funds for their local transportation program. Each month, the Society sees an increase of approximately 24 new individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, approaching the Society with requests for rides to treatment.

"Being a rural community, many of our neighbours have to travel to Ottawa, Kingston, Winchester and occasionally Toronto to receive life-saving treatments," says Hopkins. "The service we provide is especially important to those families without vehicles, a driver's license, local family and friends to help, or the financial means to make the sometimes daily trips. When a family member gets diagnosed with cancer, it's a huge relief not having to worry about getting them to treatment. With busy schedules, work and family obligations, being able to call on the Society is a big relief to everyone."

Last year alone the Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope provided rides for more than 950 local cancer patients, including supporting 13 families who have a child with cancer. Those rides added up to an amazing 404,701 kilometres driven last year by 40 volunteers. That means more than 950 people literally have a better chance of living because a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer took the time and cares enough to help them get to potentially life-saving treatment.

Even though the Wheels of Hope campaign is officially over for 2011, people can still contribute at www.cancer.ca/perth or by calling (613) 267-1058 or 1 800 367-2913.

The Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society is pleased to partner with The EMC, Lake 88.1 FM and BrockNews as sponsors of Wheels of Hope.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit www.cancer.ca or call the bilingual Cancer Information Service, toll-free, at 1 888 939-3333.