Wheels of Hope Driver

Role Details

For people who live with cancer, transportation to treatments can be a challenge. You can help by providing rides for those who need cancer treatments. Volunteer to drive 3-4 times per month in your community and surrounding area. This ongoing role requires volunteers to commit to a minimum of 6 months. We have opportunities throughout the country. Specific requirements apply.

As a Wheels of Hope driver, you will be responsible for:

• Please be aware of the commitment- Half to full days 3-4 times a month. Wheels of Hope schedules run Monday to Friday mostly 8am-6pm (on occasion drives may start earlier and end later) (no weekend and evening shifts) This ongoing role requires volunteers to commit to a minimum of 6 months.
• Supporting client rides to and from treatment and cancer related appointment in this town and surrounding areas
• Responding to requests for client rides from the Transportation Specialist, ideally via email, and wherever possible being flexible with your schedule as busy days/times/periods change.
• Confirm travel arrangements with client(s) by phone.
• Offer minimal assistance to get clients in and out of the car (no lifting permitted).
• Put client safety first by following safe driving procedures and keeping your license and insurance details updated
• Adhere to all Canadian Cancer Society policies, procedures, standards and guidelines including client confidentiality, role boundaries and our 100% smoke free policy

Why we need you

At the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) we are committed to improving the cancer experience by helping people with cancer live their lives more fully. CCS’s Wheels of Hope program helps people who can’t get to their cancer treatment appointments, providing trips when people need us most. Wheels of Hope drivers not only provide a means for clients to get to their important cancer treatments, but offer a safe, supportive ride along the way. You’ll become an important part of each client’s support team, so your familiarity with Society programs and services and referring to them as appropriate will ensure everyone has access to the supports they need.

What we're looking for

• You understand that cancer can change everything and that accessing critical programs and services creates a whole new level of community.
• You recognize that the Wheels of Hope program requires flexibility, as we respond to the continually changing schedules of current clients and other drivers.
• You enjoy meeting a variety of people and have the patience to deal with the times you may be waiting for a client to finish treatment.
• You can represent CCS positively as you interact with members of the public and are a guest in facilities like Hospitals, Cancer Centres and Lodges.
• You are ready to do your best to make a client’s ride to treatment one less thing they have to worry about, allowing them the space and focus to handle their journey in their own way.
• You are comfortable using online tools, like email and our scheduling software.
• You MUST have a full driver's license (temporary, beginners, G1/G2 and others will not be accepted)
• Your drivers license must be valid with 3 or fewer demerit points and an acceptable driving record.
• You carry a minimum of $1M third party liability insurance on your 100% smoke-free vehicle and are willing to have a criminal records check and regular driver abstract checks completed.
• We no longer require our Wheels of Hope Volunteer Drivers to be COVID Vaccinated but to ensure we are still protecting our volunteers and clients from the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, we are enforcing expectations around staying home if you are feeling ill to ensure others do not get sick. If you are a volunteer that works directly with clients, this is especially important as the health of many of our clients who have received or are currently receiving cancer treatment may be more vulnerable.

Measures that should be taken are as follows; Stay home and do not attendyour in-person volunteer shift if you are feeling ill, COVID-19 related or otherwise; If you test positive for COVID-19, please do not attend your in-person volunteer shift(s) for 5 days. If a health care professional has suggested more isolation time, listen to their advice and let your CCS staff partner know. If you are still experiencing strong symptoms after 5 days, such as high fever, do not return to your in-person volunteer role with CCS until the symptoms abate.

Our Investment

As an organization we will provide you with training and support to prepare you for this important role. You will be supported by the Transportation Specialist, who will be providing your driving schedule and be there to help you throughout your time on the road. You will be part of the larger Wheels of Hope team, including over 1600 volunteer drivers and many staff who share your desire to help as many people as possible get to their treatments.

Your commitment

This is an important leadership role.

• We ask that you dedicate at minimum 3-4 half day or full days monthly. 1/2 days will involve local community drives. Full Days will involve drives outside your community to the nearest cancer treatment center. This ongoing role requires volunteers to commit to a minimum of 6 months.
• Wheels of Hope schedules run Monday to Friday mostly 8am-6pm (on occasion drives may start earlier and end later) (no weekend and evening shifts)
• Your schedule will be provided three (3) days ahead of time and will depend on busy days/periods, your preferences and client demand. If you’re not getting as many rides as you’re available to take, we ask you to contact your Transportation Specialist to discuss changing your availability.
• You are agreeing to initiate and respond with regular, consistent communication between the Transportation Specialist, clients you are scheduled to drive and other partners including other Wheels of Hope drivers. As a volunteer, you are a representative and ambassador who promotes the mission and values of the organization.

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