United Way BC Bridges Transportation Gap, Eases Burden for Senior Cancer Patients
Grant Funding Expands Free Rides for Essential Cancer Treatments in Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley
Pat Zammit of White Rock, BC, has faced cancer three times, navigating the challenge of accessing treatment as a senior.
Fortunately, the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, a vital community partner, stepped in, offering complimentary rides to cancer patients in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Now, thanks to a $50,000 grant from United Way BC, this invaluable service can extend even further.
“Amazing. Absolutely amazing,” says 83-year-old Pat, expressing her gratitude for the reliable and compassionate transportation provided by the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society.
She reflects on the stress of relying on friends or family for rides and appreciates the independence and flexibility of the service, which accommodates her and her husband Joe, who has accompanied her on all 48 trips to the Surrey Memorial Hospital cancer clinic.
“Many times, friends offered to take me, but you can’t always be beholden to friends. And it’s lovely to have something that’s independent and you can phone them up anytime and they’re so obliging.”
Pat says the physical, emotional, and financial burden is lifted knowing a friendly volunteer is just a call away.
“It’s one less thing to worry about because you know they’re going to be there.”
United Way BC’s support makes more trips possible
With United Way BC’s support, the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society anticipates providing up to 39,000 trips to cancer patients this year, made possible by their dedicated team of 400 volunteer drivers.
President Bob Smith emphasizes that their service is inclusive, ensuring that anyone with a cancer diagnosis receives complimentary transportation, regardless of financial status.
The impact of United Way BC’s grant is profound, enabling the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society to meet the increasing demand for services in an aging population.
Bob Smith highlights the importance of addressing transportation barriers for seniors, acknowledging that many lack access to essential medical care due to limited mobility.
“So, in Pat’s case, we’re predominantly driving her to the Surrey Cancer Clinic, but our service extends from Horseshoe Bay to Chilliwack, and we will sometimes be driving from Chilliwack all the way into downtown Vancouver, depending on the diagnosis of the patient and where that treatment can be provided.”
Bob says 85-90 per cent of the cancer patients they serve are seniors.
“Many frail and elderly people in our community may not have access to transportation to get to and from their cancer treatments. There is a substantial population in our society that lives alone.”
Bob says the grant funding from United Way BC will be instrumental in meeting the increased demand for services due to BC’s aging population.
“So that grant is going to enable us, in part, to pick up the increased volume of cancer patients that we expect to have this year.”
United Way BC identifies need and fills gap
Since 2012, United Way British Columbia has worked in partnership with BC’s Ministry of Health to strengthen and grow the capacity of the community-based senior-serving (CBSS) sector, to address the dynamic and growing needs of an aging population.
In 2023-24, a historic $70M investment from the Government of BC provides United Way BC the opportunity to update and implement a new Healthy Aging Program and Service Model, which includes funding enhancements to address growing needs.
United Way BC’s commitment to supporting vulnerable seniors is evident in our strategic investments. Through initiatives like the Aging in Motion: Transportation Supports & Innovations grant, United Way BC is addressing critical gaps in transportation services for older adults.
The grant is intended to help seniors meet their daily needs, participate in activities (social, recreational, cultural, political, educational), or attend medical and health-related appointments.
Bobbi Symes, Director of Healthy Aging at United Way BC, emphasizes the collaborative efforts of community partners like the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society in improving the lives of older adults.
“The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is a great example of the difference our community partners are making in the lives of older adults and how we can work together to achieve even greater reach,” Symes says.
For seniors like Pat, enhanced funding means more than just transportation—it signifies hope and relief, ensuring that vital medical appointments and cancer treatments are within reach. With United Way BC and partners like the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, seniors can face their health challenges with dignity and support.
“I think that’s wonderful!” she says.
To learn more about United Way BC’s Healthy Aging programs, click here.