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Feed a pig for Wheels of Hope
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Nancy Thibeault knows how difficult having cancer can be on the patient and the family. She’s been there and three years ago she decided to give back in a tangible way.
Thibeault has been a volunteer driver with the Wheels of Hope transportation program at the Canadian Cancer Society since 2012.
In 2005 Thibeault was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Throughout her treatment the people she interacted with were incredibly kind and she wanted to give back. She wanted to be one of those thoughtful people.
There are many reasons that keep Thibeault returning as a volunteer but the bonds she’s created are one of those reasons.
“I think just to know that I can, in fact, drive someone and take the worry away from family members is enough,” Thibeault said.
Thibeault knows first hand how much there is to think about and deal with when a cancer diagnosis hits family that some people may not realize.
“This is a wonderful program and I believe it helps families, so, so much,” Thibeault said.
The Pigs of Hope campaign gives people the chance to “adopt” a piggy bank to raise money for Wheels of Hope, which provides rides to cancer patients for treatment and related appointments.
“It’s neighbours helping neighbours in its truest fashion,” said CCS fundraising coordinator, Laura Pethick.
One in five cancer patients have trouble getting to appointments for physical or financial reasons, Pethick said.
“Imagine the devastation of the diagnosis and then having to worry about how you’re going to get there,” Pethick added.
The average cost of a ride from Huron-Perth to London costs about $50, so a minimum commitment of that amount is required to adopt a pig. Participants decide how many rides they want to sponsor, either doing so as an individual or as a group.
Drivers volunteer their time but are reimbursed for their mileage. It cost the Huron-Perth chapter $54,000 to run the program last year.
“The need is growing every year,” Pethick said.
“This is a really neat, tangible way for people to say ‘I wanna help and I want to know that I’m helping a neighbour’,” Pethick added.
The Huron-Perth chapter provided assistance to 143 cancer patients with 1,750 rides to cancer related appointments. There are 72 drivers with the local office that drove 151,544 km last year.
As an extra bonus adopters can dress up and name their piggy banks to take part in a contest. Take a picture of your pig in its costume and email it to huronperth@ontario.cancer.ca or tweet it to @ccshuronperth.
“We’ve seen someone put a mustache for Movember, we’ve seen someone dress it up as Santa,” Pethick said.
Businesses, schools, groups or individuals can adopt a pig on Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Bayshore Broadcasting (108 Courthouse Square).
If you want to adopt a pig but are unable to attend on Dec. 4 go online to http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/huronperthpigs2015.
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Great Lakes Commission News Briefs
A summary of issues, activities and events at the Great Lakes Commission
Register now for 2014 GLC Semiannual Meeting
and Great Lakes Day in Washington events
Registration is now open for the 2014 Semiannual Meeting of the Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes Day events scheduled for March 4-6, 2014, … Read More »
First Great Lakes Demonstration Farm Network to Launch in Green Bay Area
Madison, Wis. – The Lower Fox River Watershed, just south of Green Bay, will be home to a network of farms that will demonstrate the best, leading-edge conservation practices to reduce phosphorus entering Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Great Lakes Commission … Read More »