he American Cancer Society’s Kaua’i unit is recruiting volunteers for several areas. “Volunteers are the heart of the American Cancer Society,” said Executive Director Mary Williamson, “and it is through volunteers that the Society’s nationwide events, programs and patient services
he American Cancer Society’s Kaua’i unit is recruiting volunteers for several
areas. “Volunteers are the heart of the American Cancer Society,” said
Executive Director Mary Williamson, “and it is through volunteers that the
Society’s nationwide events, programs and patient services are
successful.”
“By volunteering, you can enhance your leadership and
professional skills, make new friends, and find fulfillment by giving back to
the community,” said current board president Peter Kea. Cancer survivors
and their family members especially are invited to explore volunteer
opportunities.
The office—located in a green plantation house in Lihu’e
next to Kapaia Stitchery—has immediate and ongoing needs for clerical help,
housekeeping, and yard care. Special events, such as Relay for Life coming up
on April 29, and the Annual Wine Tasting on Aug. 5, also will need many helping
hands and committee chairs.
In addition, the Society is looking for a few
dedicated volunteers to manage Patient Services on weekdays. Training is
provided. The Patient Services volunteer directly assists Kaua’i cancer
patients by providing airline tickets to O’ahu for radiation treatment,
arranging for housing and ground transportation, disbursing nutritional drinks,
and giving general information.
“It’s an incredibly rewarding
position,” said volunteer Dolly Kikuchi. “To help people first-hand,
in their time of need…it’s a thrill.”
Nationwide, the American
Cancer Society consists of more than 2 million volunteers and approximately
4,000 staff. Volunteers take lifesaving messages about cancer prevention and
early detection into local communities, as well as provide services to cancer
patients, their families, and health care professionals.
“Our
volunteers plan, implement and manage our organization in partnership with
well-trained staff,” explains Williamson. “Together we can make a
difference!”
“We match volunteers with specific jobs, depending
upon their skills, interests and time availability,” says Co-Executive
Director Pamela Salibi. Volunteers across the country organize special events,
coordinate patient support groups, advocate for cancer legislation, drive
patients to treatment, help schools educate children about the dangers of
smoking, chair various committees…the list is endless.”
The public is
invited to join theACS team in the fight against cancer. Volunteers learn new
skills, gain valuable work experience, increase awareness of cancer, make
friends and save lives.
“Receive the personal satisfaction that comes only
through helping others. Join us, in whatever way best fits your time and
talents,” Williamson adds.
For a Volunteer Opportunities form or more
information, call the Kauai Unit of the American Cancer Society at
245-2942.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based
voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health
problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from
cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. Find ACS at
www.cancer.org.
