Local charities getting hit by high gas prices

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – BC’s high gas prices are putting the squeeze on charities and non-profits, especially those that transport people and goods.

One of the charities feeling the pinch is the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society – which offers car rides for cancer patients needing to get to and from treatment.

Drivers offer up their time and their cars, and get reimbursed 44 cents per kilometre.

The society’s George Garrett considers himself lucky, none of their drivers have dropped out or even complained about higher gas prices.

“We haven’t had any feedback from them, that I know of. Of course, we are well aware what their problems are. They just have to keep shelling out more.”

In fact, many drivers donate their stipend back to the organization, but Garrett doesn’t know how long that will last.

“The drivers are among our best contributors, and they can’t afford to do that when gas costs so much. We have to find another way to raise money. It’s costing us $15,000 a month as it is.”

Garrett says fundraising that amount isn’t easy. The society relies on municipalities, foundations, service clubs and public donations to keep it operating.

Just last month, the driver reimbursement rate was increased to 44 cents a kilometre, from 41 cents.

Meantime, demand for drivers is increasing. The society has taken on 100 more patients since the beginning of the year.

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