Celebrating Volunteers: Joy’s Story of Compassion and Community

National Volunteer Week is an important opportunity to recognise the generosity, compassion and commitment of our volunteers who are at the heart of Cancer Council NSW. Our volunteers give their time to make a genuine difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. 

Volunteering inspired by lived experience 

Among Cancer Council NSW’s volunteers are people like Joy, whose decision to give back is rooted in personal experience and a desire to support the community. Joy was inspired to volunteer following the death of her father, who died from cancer.

Volunteering with Cancer Council NSW became a meaningful way for her to honour her loved ones while helping others navigate their own cancer experience. What began as a desire to give back has grown into a role that brings her a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.  

Small but powerful actions 

As a volunteer with Cancer Council NSW’s Transport to Treatment program, Joy’s role goes beyond providing a lift to and from appointments. For her, the most rewarding part of volunteering is spending time with clients and interacting with fellow drivers. She values connecting with people and sharing a friendly conversation during what can often be an anxious or exhausting day for someone undergoing cancer treatment.  

The relationships built through these simple interactions are a vital part of what makes the service so special.  

Seeing the relief and gratitude from clients who can access safe, reliable transport to their treatment appointments is what stays with her most. For many people affected by cancer, transport can be a significant barrier, adding stress to an already overwhelming situation. Knowing she is helping to remove that barrier, even in a small way, is incredibly rewarding.  

Volunteering with Cancer Council NSW  

Joy encourages those who have the time to consider volunteering with Cancer Council NSW. Volunteering offers an opportunity to be part of something meaningful while making a real difference in people’s lives.  

For Joy, National Volunteer Week is a welcome reminder that volunteers are appreciated, but recognition has never been the reason she does it. While she values the acknowledgement, she believes volunteering is ultimately about helping where you can within the community.

Cancer Council NSW thanks Joy and all our volunteers whose compassion and dedication help support people affected by cancer across NSW. Through their kindness and commitment, they continue to strengthen communities and make a lasting difference. 

If you’re interested in volunteering for Cancer Council NSW, head to our volunteer page to find out more.

Related: Six things to know about volunteering at Cancer Council NSW