The Leukaemia Foundation is thanking its generous pool of volunteers this week who “Give a Little … Change A Lot,” in the lives of people living with blood cancers.

During Volunteers Week this week, May 21 – 25, the Foundation is paying particular thanks to its much valued team of volunteers, including the fundraisers, scone bakers, event makers, and the general volunteer movers and the shakers, who help support the organisation, every day.

The Leukaemia Foundation is in particular highlighting its amazing fleet of volunteer drivers, who each play a key role in taking people living with blood cancer to and from vital medical appointments.

The Leukaemia Foundation said this amazing group of volunteers had driven patients and their families more than 250 million kilometres in the past decade alone.

“That’s the equivalent of travelling more than 6,238 times around the world,” a spokesperson said.

“That is truly an amazing figure and a testimony to the highly valued work of our volunteer drivers at the Leukaemia Foundation. Our patient support fleet of around 50 cars across the nation carry a very precious cargo. Australians who are often very scared, very sick, and dealing with all the life-changing challenges living with a blood cancer brings.

“Many are from regional areas and are staying in the Leukaemia Foundation’s patient accommodation, but the service is also provided to anyone with blood cancer living within a 100 kilometre radius of the main treatment centres.

“The vital service is specifically designed to relieve the pressure faced by people with blood cancer who are transport disadvantaged. That is, if they have limited private transport options, such as the carer in the family having to return to work. It also ensures patients arrive at appointments safely and on-time, as well as providing a friendly kind face to greet patients.”

“The patient transport fleet is one of the Leukaemia Foundation’s most utilised services and is an incredible example of the work volunteers do in our community. We could never offer this vital service without the help of our volunteers and we are truly grateful for their support.”