Tomorrow is Daffodil Day, and with volunteers playing a huge role in the work of the Cancer Society, local volunteer Mark Butcher talks about why he does what he does.
My life began to entwine with the Cancer Society in 2021, following recovery from my own cancer journey — a brief but dramatic time of diagnosis and surgery with the good fortune of a full recovery.
I decided that I wanted to offer something back in thanks for my treatment and subsequent recovery.
Following an initial inquiry to the hospital regarding volunteer driving opportunities, I was advised to visit the Cancer Society office to meet Leola Wilson , the centre manager .
I volunteered immediately and following my driving test and the relevant police security checks that all volunteer drivers go through, I was up and running, nervously waiting for my first trip with a client.
The resulting experience was one I had not really anticipated, such a rewarding uplifting time spent with my first client.
All my subsequent drives have enriched my experience and given me the most satisfying feeling of giving something back at the same time as offering an incredible service to our clients.
I enjoy the work immensely.
On the longer trips to Christchurch a rapport can be built up and the sharing of life stories can be so enjoyable. I also work on reception in the office on a regular basis and this has its own rewards of feeling like part of the team in the office.
I also represent all the drivers on health and safety matters, following my official health and safety training at the Cancer Society main office in Christchurch.
Anyone thinking about whether this is something they would like to do as a means of helping the society should come in and meet the team and make the offer.
They will not regret it. I feel it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
