Covid-19 coronavirus: Whanganui Cancer Society desperate for volunteer drivers

The Whanganui Cancer Society is desperate for volunteer drivers as Covid-19 restrictions have reduced its available helpers by at least 80 per cent.

"The average age of our driver database is around the age of 75," transport and volunteer co-ordinator Theresa Webster said.

"We're down to about 10 drivers out of 40 or so, so we are in desperate need of new people.

"The Cancer Society fully supports this government initiative, and at the end of the day we don't want to put our drivers or our clients at risk."

Webster said those being transported were especially at risk of Covid-19 because of their issues with cancer and often severely weakened immune systems.

"Cancer doesn't just stop because of something like this.

"We need as many people as we can who have a full driver's licence and a clean record, and a car that is fully legal and warranted."

Volunteers transport cancer patients between Whanganui, Marton, Palmerston North and Wellington, Webster said.

"We're looking for people specifically under the age of 65."

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Webster said she had "incredibly stringent" procedures in place to protect both driver and passenger. Reusable seat covers, face masks and hand sanitiser would be provided, and no support people were allowed to accompany the clients. All drivers would also have to complete regular cleaning regimes of their vehicle before and after a journey.

"We're appealing to those people in the community with uncompromised living situations, and with no contact to those who might be susceptible to illness," Webster said.

"The Whanganui community has always been amazing at pulling together, and hopefully there are people out there who can help us out."

To get in contact with Theresa Webster, call (06) 348 7402 or email theresa.webster@cancercd.org.nz