LAC LA BICHE - The Road To Hope organization is looking for area residents who can take the wheel and help those in need.
For the last 15 years, the regionally-operated service has been in the literal driver’s seat when it comes to helping area residents needing assistance during their cancer treatments. Serving the Athabasca and Lac La Biche areas, Road to Hope is a not-for-profit organization that offers transportation services to residents needing to travel for cancer treatment appointments. There is no cost to the client for the ride.
Donations and fundraising initiatives across the region provide funding for the organization. Some of that funding goes to the drivers to compensate for mileage, but the drivers’ time is all volunteered.
Last year, a small squadron of just 10 volunteer Road To Hope drivers amassed more than 33,000 kilometres in travel, helping area residents with their medical travel needs. The distance has been an annual average over the years — but early statistics for the start of 2023 are projecting a busier year than most. The first two months of the year saw more than 10,000 kilometres traveled, keeping the volunteer drivers busy.
NLPS trustee is volunteer driver
One of the area drivers who has been part of the volunteer crew for many of those years is Northern Lights Public Schools board member Blair Norton.
The Lac La Biche resident is also the current vice-president of Road To Hope. Like many people, Norton has been directly affected by cancer.
“We all know someone who has battled cancer, and being able to support people during one of the most difficult times of their life means so much to me,” said Norton. “My son was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 23, so I have intimate knowledge of what patients and their families go through. Knowing that I can help ease the immense burden in any way I can is so rewarding.”
Norton said he is truly honoured to be part of the organization.
Donations and volunteers
The Road To Hope Foundation’s Annual General Meeting is taking place on Wednesday, April 26 at 7pm at the Grassland Community Hall. Norton says it’s a great time to get involved with any aspects of the organization from fundraising to board membership to driving.
For more information on the foundation and opportunities to volunteer, contact their main office at 780-327-9442 or by email at [email protected]
