Today, International Volunteer Day, Cancer Council Queensland is honouring thousands of volunteers who make a tangible difference in the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer.
More than 1300 regularly involved volunteers and 30,000 fundraisers and supporters give their time and energy to Cancer Council Queensland’s mission with one goal in mind – a cancer free future.
Volunteers enable Cancer Council Queensland to invest more than $10 million into research each year, offer a wide range of support services, and give hope to each person diagnosed.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said volunteers were the heart of the charity’s work.
“Today (December 5) we want to take the opportunity to honour volunteers in our community and acknowledge their significant contribution,” Ms McMillan said.
“Our volunteers are the unsung heroes, giving generously of their time and resources simply to be a shining light in someone else’s life.
“Cancer today, more than ever, is a community problem – and one that we all need to work together to solve.
“One Queenslander is diagnosed with cancer every 20 minutes – more than 27,000 people each year. Our volunteers help us reach out and support those affected.”
Ms McMillan said the theme of International Volunteer Day 2017 was Volunteers Act First, recognising volunteers who answer calls in a time of crisis and help save lives.
“The role of a volunteer is instrumental to our work and our mission,” Ms McMillan said.
“Often our event volunteers, or those giving their time to help cancer patients through one of our support programs, are the first people on the ground offering a listening ear and shoulder to lean on in a time of need.
“Volunteers founded Cancer Council Queensland in 1961 and have since played a vital part in the improvement of cancer control.
“Cancer survival alone has improved by more than 30 per cent over the past 20 years.
“From our cancer support volunteers, to admin or fundraising volunteers, each person who gives their time makes a difference and we cannot thank them enough.”
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer in 2018 visit the ‘Be Involved’ section at cancerqld.org.au or phone 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact: