When Shirley retired from a successful career in real estate, she wasn’t ready to slow down. Instead, she was ready to give back. After decades in leadership roles, she felt a growing desire to connect with her community on a more personal level.
In May 2022, she traded business meetings for long road trips and became a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program. Shirley, who radiates empathy and generosity, embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. It was just a perfect fit.
Now serving as the “Van Captain” for the Nanaimo Wheels of Hope vehicle, she goes above and beyond by coordinating maintenance, managing mileage logs and helping relocate vans to better serve rural communities. But what stays with her most are the heartfelt exchanges she shares on the road. These stories range from grief to gratitude and everything in between.
One powerful memory comes from a ride she gave to a woman who had just received a cancer diagnosis. The journey began in fear but ended in laughter over their shared love of dogs. “You could see her spirit lighten,” Shirley recalls. “By the time we reached the lodge in Victoria, she was smiling. She came back to me weeks later feeling grateful.”
Giving back has long been part of Shirley’s DNA. During her real estate career, she helped raise more than $750,000 to build a gymnasium for Camp Goodtimes in BC. That collaboration with UBC and hockey legend Trevor Linden is one of the most memorable highlights of her career, she says.
When she is not volunteering or advocating, you might find Shirley baking cookies, shopping for fresh ingredients or spending time with Cricket, her black and white Boston Terrier. Her energy and compassion are contagious. She even encouraged a friend to volunteer with Wheels of Hope and consistently shares her journey to motivate others to get involved.
Right now, Wheels of Hope is looking for more volunteers like Shirley. There is a need for volunteer drivers across Vancouver Island, particularly in Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Sayward, Tofino and Ucluelet.
If you have a few hours to spare and want to make a real difference in someone’s life, consider joining the Wheels of Hope volunteer community. Volunteers provide transportation for cancer patients attending treatment, offering not just a ride but care, kindness and connection.
“I certainly enjoy helping people along as they navigate their journey,” says Shirley, “It’s a very rewarding experience, and I would encourage anyone to try it.”
Visit volunteercancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333 to sign up today!
Are you a cancer patient and looking for support?
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program provides financial assistance, free transportation and free accommodation at lodges near treatment centres for cancer patients in BC who need to travel to receive care. For more information, including how to book support services, visit cancer.ca/CTAAS or call 1-888-939-3333.
See all articles by Island Admin