It was a busy year for , a Surrey-based organization that offers cancer patients free transportation to their medical appointments across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

For the first time ever, VCDS volunteers drove more than a million kilometres in a single year in 2024, according to stats released Thursday (Jan. 9) by the not-for-profit organization.

With demand on the rise among local cancer patients, more volunteer drivers are needed.

鈥淭he grand total was 1,000,138 kilometres as the new year arrived, almost four times the distance to the moon," said Bob Smith, VCDS president.

鈥淲ith the growing need we are constantly seeking more volunteers to help drive these patients, who often have no other way to get to their appointments. We provide a small allowance for our drivers鈥� car expenses based on distance driven.鈥�

The service is free, no matter how often rides are needed. The volunteer drivers use their own vehicles for rides that can be booked on , where volunteer applications can be submitted, or call 604-515-5400.

鈥淭he cancer patients in need of our support for trips to appointments continues to rise," Smith confirmed. "Our volunteers provided a record 38,386 patient trips in 2024, and we鈥檙e forecasting that number will reach 42,000 this year. As our population ages, the rate of cancer increases and the need for transportation to care will continue to expand.鈥�

Incorporated in 2016, Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society involves the work of 459 volunteers including drivers, dispatchers and VCDS board.

鈥淲e are working to fund our program with charitable support this year of just over $700,000," Smith said in a news release.

"Donations and grants are a key lifeline for us and we are grateful for the assistance from organizations and individuals alike to help cover costs. Our annual end of the year fundraising campaign was stalled of course by the postal strike, so we hope people, service clubs, foundations, municipalities and corporate sponsors will step forward to keep our essential service responsive to the ever-increasing needs of the cancer patients in our communities.鈥�

VCDS drivers are 鈥渟ervice-to-others-minded and able to make Monday to Friday clinic times using their own vehicle to provide door-to-door patient service," says the organization. "VCDS drivers come from a wide range of backgrounds, predominately retired and often with a link to family, friend or personal experience with cancer. Drivers are offered a vehicle allowance of $.58 per kilometre."