The Canadian Cancer Society’s Quesnel unit has served the residents of Quesnel for decades, providing personal, one-on-one service through a variety of programs and dedicated volunteers want the public to know they continue to offer this very personalized service.
“The importance of the unit is obvious, as we’re still here,” CCS 30-year volunteer Anne Burgess said.
“We want to maintain the close, personal connection with clients and their families.”
From it’s beginnings in the 1940s (Quesnel was the second community unit to be established in B.C., Salmon Arm being the first), CCS’ mission has remained the same, as a nationally-based organization of volunteers with a mission to irradiate cancer and/or enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer.
Well-known community member Mabel Commons served as the first president of the Quesnel unit and the volunteers included other community members of note such as Lou Griffith, editor of the Observer and Mabel’s equally well-known husband Ray Commons, Royal Bank manager.
The volunteers would meet informally at various member’s homes.
During the 1960s and 1970s, medical doctors including Drs. Havens and Appleby were volunteers with the unit and presented talks on radio and local TV. Up to 1974, the fundraising campaign was done by mail-drop, however, door-to-door canvassing resumed in 1978 when Esther Forster became campaign chair.
In 1980, the unit was involved with the first Terry Fox Run and helped raise $40,000.
The unit’s first office was opened in 1983 after Dr. Culligan (Quesnel Dental Group) donated space. CCS in Quesnel gained a reputation as a cancer resource centre and education and public awareness took the spotlight. In 1985, 200 women attended Quesnel’s first breast self-examination teaching clinic.
The office moved in 1986 to a second-floor space across from the Safeway store.
It was during this time Burgess was approached by then-active volunteer member Lexina Graham to use her recently-acquired spare time (she’d just retired from teaching) helping with the educational component of cancer awareness.
“I thought it was where I needed to be,” Burgess said.
Although she values all the work done by the unit, including all the impressive fundraising such as Relay for Life, Daffodil campaign and Amazing Race, Burgess believes the help provided through the office on a daily basis is equally important.
“Drop in clients make our day and hopefully we make theirs,” she said.
“We always appreciate how difficult it is to reach out when the stress of a cancer diagnosis is still fresh in their mind, but this is what CCS is all about. If we can help, we feel very rewarded, it’s what we’re here for.”
She added over the past 72 years, clients have told the volunteers over and over again what a difference they’ve made.
“Time after time, clients tell us how important we were in their cancer journey,” Burgess said.
“Through the years, nothing has proven to be as affective as the person-to-person contact.”
At the turn of the 21st century, CCS moved the unit to its current location on Front Street.
Change and adaptation have kept the organization relevant. The Frank Cushman Memorial Ride discontinued and the Amazing Race began.
In 1993, volunteers began the Rent-a-Santa program where more than half a dozen Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit local schools, business and private parties.
The sale of daffodils continues and recently pins were added.
In the 1980s, cancer awareness in schools, businesses and organizations was stepped up, including an anti-smoking campaign.
Relay for a Friend, which morphed into Relay for Life, just celebrated its 10th anniversary.
And through it all the office has remained a place where cancer patients and their families can seek the help they need to bravely face their fight.
“We’re still here and that’s what we still do – connect with clients, person-to-person,” Burgess said.
The CCS Quesnel unit invites anyone with a few hours to spare to consider volunteering and for those battling cancer, drop by the office at 332 Front Street or call, 250-992-6551. Volunteers maintain office hours from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.