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Longtime volunteer bids emotional farewell to a job she loves

Vernon branch of the Canadian Cancer Society has closed its doors
8628477_web1_170922-VMS-M-mural

Cara Brady

Morning Star Staff

Elva Ritchey answered six phone calls, talked to two walk-in clients, accepted two donations of hair to be made into wigs and filled two certificates of appreciation. That was in just one hour of her day as a volunteer at the Canadian Cancer Society.

“This is my last shift before the office closes, so I’m pretty emotional. This is the hardest day for me so far,” she said. She has put in 27 years as a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer, starting with 15 years in Nakusp before moving to Vernon.

“People have been asking if there will still be services in the Vernon area and there will be, but people will have to access them online or by phone,” she said.

“One of our most-used services is the emergency financial aid when people have to travel for treatment. With more than 200 different forms of cancer, there is a lot of need and help is available to anyone who qualifies,” she said.

The Vernon office has also provided information and fundraising with help from many volunteers (presently about 30) since the office opened in 1962. Community volunteers and businesses help with events like the daffodil sales and education campaigns.

Ritchey, who has a background in psychiatric nursing, and has lost her husband and family members to cancer, plans to keep involved with the society. Over the years, she has been inspired by the colourful mural, painted on panels, on a wall in the office. The mural features the signatures of about 140 of the many people who have benefited from the society’s services. The lengths of time that some have been cancer-free varies from 31 years to one year.

“The Canadian Cancer Society is something I really believe in. What the society does in research and at a community level does make a difference,” she said.

“The C-word is not a death sentence now. A lot of people still don’t want anyone to know they have cancer but cancer is livable. People come to the society for information and assistance at different stages in the cancer journey, when they feel the time is right for them.”

She wants people to know that the Canadian Cancer Society is going to keep helping through its volunteers. The society is currently looking for a new site to accept donations of hair for wigs and to keep wigs, scarves and hats for loan.

“One of the things we have done here over the years and one that has meant a lot to me is to listen to people’s stories and give them the information they need to make decisions. People need us here. Please look beyond the office and continue to support the Canadian Cancer Society,” she said.

For information about Canadian Cancer Society services call 1-888-939-3333 or see cancer.ca.