Help a total stranger … just because you can.

The VCDS was about 6 months old, and my friend George Garrett, one of the founders of the society, was recruiting drivers.  I realized the volunteer drivers were relieving a lot of stress and anxiety for many cancer patients who had no easy or safe way to get to and from their medical appointments and treatments.  They truly have enough to deal with already, and if a reliable ride would help I was willing to give it a try. 

My first-ever passenger spoke only Mandarin but I got him to his appointment and back home safely.  Then his wife gave me a handwritten note in English from their daughter, who thanked me for helping to save her father’s life. I drove him three more times after that and I still have the note. 

That was four years ago and since then I have enjoyed driving well over one hundred patients a total of over 8,000 km. I have met and chatted with people from all walks of life and from all parts of our amazing planet. It has truly been a pleasure to help them during a difficult time. I have also met many of the other drivers and they are the finest people you could ever know. It is an honour to be part of this special group.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities please view our “Community of Champions” page or if you are ready to become a volunteer driver start here. Apply to Drive.

Thank You Jim for your service!
Bill Ruppel – Director of Driver Operations