Solaris Cancer Care thanked its hundreds of volunteers this week during National Volunteer Week amid worries about losing some of them
The non-profit has 350 volunteers and relies on donations to operate at five different centres at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Sir John of God Subiaco, Cottesloe, Bunbury and Albany Health Centre.
Last Year it provided more than 25,000 treatments, valued at $1.75million.
“Each of our volunteers plays a vital role in helping patients during a difficult time in their life,” Solaris CEO David Edwards said.
“From the meet-and-greet team to the therapists who provide free massage and reflexology treatments, they are all part of the unique tapestry of Solaris, and we stop to thank them all.
“The thing that makes our volunteers so interesting is that they’ve chosen Solaris for different reasons. Some are prior patients, others were drawn to the cause after hearing about Solaris from friends. We event have health service students join our volunteer ranks in order to improve their soft skills before graduating.”
Unfortunately, budget concerns are putting pressure on Solaris Cancer Care to limit operating hours at its regional centres in Bunbury and Albany, meaning that volunteers could be lost, taking training, skills and capacity with them.
To prevent this, Solaris is calling on people who have been touched by cancer as it raises funds and awareness during its May We Thrive campaign.
For more information and to make a tax deductible donation, visit www.solaristhrive.com.au
media and images published by The Post, published 27 May 2019
