In 2019, Saskatoon resident Leroy Kuan started volunteering as a driver for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), as a way to honour his late wife.

“Like everybody in today’s world; they’ve had to deal with cancer, and part of the motivation was I lost my wife to cancer in 2018,” he said.

To help those in the middle of cancer treatment, the Wheels of Hope driving program spans from British Columbia to Ontario, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.

Currently, the organization is looking for volunteer drivers in Regina and Saskatoon to transport cancer patients to and from treatments.

In Edmonton, volunteer coordinator Mark Kahan says that there are about 10 drivers in each city, but need a few more volunteers to fill in hours. Kahan said he is very grateful for those who have helped out.

“It’s hard to find transportation sometimes if you don’t drive, if you don’t have a vehicle,” he said. Taking a taxi is very expensive, so that’s where the Wheels of Hope come in.”

According to the CCS, 42 per cent of Canadians end up with a cancer diagnosis at some point in their life. In tough times, Kuan said that the patients he has driven are largely positive.

“I run into days where some of the clients might not get the best news, and then some days it’s a bit frustrating because of the weight that is involved, but you realize what they’re dealing with and then adjust accordingly,” he said.

“Some people just want to express themselves and might be a little teary, but that’s okay,” he added.

In 2025, Wheels of Hope took in 165 clients across Canada, totalling 1,774 round trips.

Kuan volunteers as a driver three days a week, transporting up to eight clients a day. He said he looks forward to hearing the good stories from his clients.

He recalls driving one woman for about 12 weeks, taking her to around 15 chemotherapy and radiation appointments. When he was waiting for another client, he remembers seeing that same woman, with good news.

“Here was a knock on my window, and it was that particular client who’s who said, ‘Oh, I just had a visit with my doctor and they don’t want to see me anymore.’”

Drivers typically do between 15-18 hours of work per week, usually spinning between two to three days. Kahan, who’s a survivor of cancer himself, says that the drivers enjoy the bonds they form in their cars.

“They get back so much more than they give,” he said. “You get to help someone from your own community, and you’re literally making a difference in their life.”

In order to become a driver, applicants must go through a criminal records check and must fill out an application online. Some locations have vehicles available, but mileage reimbursements will be given if a driver does use their own car.