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A dream fulfilled at Christmas

The late John MacInnes was passionate about the well-being of cancer patients. As one of three founders of the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society four years ago, MacInnes said he wanted to build a Society that would last for 25 years.
Volunteer cancer drivers
The late John MacInnes was passionate about the well-being of cancer patients.

The late John MacInnes was passionate about the well-being of cancer patients.

As one of three founders of the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society four years ago, MacInnes said he wanted to build a Society that would last for 25 years. Sadly, within a year he was diagnosed with cancer and died within a matter of weeks.

Although his dream faced some challenges to meet operating costs in the first few years, entering into the fifth year of service, the VCDS has become more financially secure thanks to the generosity of caring people. This includes the volunteer drivers, community-minded foundations, firefighters, service clubs and the general public throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

The VCDS is not only meeting the daily transportation needs of cancer patients throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley it is also building a secure financial future through in-kind donations of securities and legacy giving.

Co-founder MacInnes could not have imagined the incredible growth. The Volunteer Cancer Society now has more than 200 volunteer drivers who made 20,000 patient trips this year. The demand has increased by 35 per cent each year.

The budget for 2020 is over $400,000.

Society president Bob Smith is grateful for all the support.

“We could not have succeeded without the dedication and compassion of our volunteer drivers, dispatchers, board members and supporters,” said Smith. “Thank you to all our generous donors.”