An annual fundraiser is back as the Canadian Cancer Society strives to help patients through its Wheels of Hope transportation program.
The Chatham-Kent branch is renting out piggy banks for the Pigs of Hope fundraiser.
Cindy Vinall, senior manager of community offices, said money raised within the community will help ensure that cancer patients in Chatham-Kent have a ride to and from their out-of-town treatments.
"It's just a bit of friendly support so they're not having to just dwell on why they're getting a ride to where they're going," she said.
Vinall said the transportation program helps alleviate some of the stress cancer patients already face and allows them to focus more on getting better.
"Last year, we provided 106 local cancer patients with their transportation to and from [appointments] so that's almost 189,000 kilometres," she said. "On average we have about 30 volunteer drivers that provide transportation Monday through Friday, from well before the crack of dawn, sometimes until well after dinner."
Residents can "adopt" a pig to help out with the fundraiser by contacting the Chatham-Kent branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. However, residents are asked to keep in mind that their office is moving to a new location this week. Vinall also said the (519) 352-3960 will stay the same but calls may not go through right away during the moving process.
The Pigs of Hope fundraiser runs until January 3.
