The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted the BC Cancer Foundation to postpone an upcoming door-to-door canvassing activity in Langley, while the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is taking extra precautions when taking residents to their treatment appointments.
“We told our drivers that it’s up to them to decide whether they wish to drive. They can decline if they wish and we would understand that,” explained George Garrett, spokesperson and volunteer with the society.
But the warning to proceed with caution hasn’t interrupted the volunteer service.
“So far as I know, our drivers are still responding and taking calls from the dispatchers every morning and taking patients to care, but we caution them to – when they arrive to do a wipe of their car,” Garrett said. “When they arrive at a treatment facility we advise them to wash their hands thoroughly or use sanitizer.”
Drivers would typically wait for their client receiving a treatment in the waiting room, but are now directed to wait in their car.
“The idea is to spend less time in the waiting room,” Garrett explained.
Meanwhile, a BC Cancer Foundation door-to-door canvassing activity has been postponed.
Canvassers were scheduled to visit Langley residents to introduce them to the foundation and its monthly donor program.
“While the BC Public Health Office advises the risk of transmission remains low in British Columbia, as a foundation focused on changing the outcome for individuals facing cancer, the health and safety of our staff, the patients we work to support, and the general public is of the up-most importance,” BC Cancer Foundation said in a statement.
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For security and safety, canvassers wear ID badges and BC Cancer Foundation teal vests. They will only invite those they visit to take part in the monthly giving program and will not accept cash or one-time gift cards at the door.
The canvassing activity is on hold until further notice.
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