Faced with rising gas prices and a growing client list, the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is putting out the call for more drivers in the Delta area.

“It’s Ladner, Tsawwassen, even North Delta too,” said society vice president George Garrett.

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According to Garrett, the Surrey/Delta area saw 1,400 trips in 2016, a figure that jumped to 2,200 in 2017.

“This year our numbers continue to climb,” he said. “It is very surprising to me. Some are new people to Canada, our population is aging more and unfortunately, cancer comes with that age in many and just the general awareness of our group. The more publicity we get, the word just seems to spread. I think all of those factors have combined and we just need more drivers to provide this service.”

The high gas prices have also played a big factor.

“We increased our stipend for every kilometre driven to 44 cents even before the gas prices hit $1.60,” he said. “But one of the ways it has affected us is in the general donations back. One of our biggest donations is from the drivers themselves who many, in general, contribute part of their payment back to us. With the high price of gas, I think many drivers will cut back on that and I certainly don’t blame them for that. It is just the reality.”

The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society was established in 2015 following the unexpected cancellation of a similar program offered by the Canadian Cancer Society. The society serves Delta, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Mission, the Tri-Cities, New Westminster and the North Shore.

Volunteer drivers offer round trip transportation to treatment facilities across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Drivers are reimbursed for the kilometres driven and parking costs and are connected to the people they will be driving in a safe and secure manner.

According to Garrett, there are 150 drivers in the program serving the Lower Mainland.

In order to be a driver, you must commit to at least one full day a week (one full day or two half days), be at least 21, have a driver’s licence, proper insurance and complete a criminal record check.

Ladner’s Al Lund started as a volunteer driver in November.

“It’s very rewarding. Everyone is so thankful. Some people go for treatment three weeks in a row. I really enjoy it. You get to meet a lot of great people,” said Lund.

To learn more about the program, call 604-515-5400 or visit www.volunteercancerdrivers.ca.