Volunteer Services

Afternoon Tea

Join volunteers in the Lite House (Room 3019 on Station 30) for tea, coffee, and dessert, held every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoon, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. All patients and visitors are welcome!

Busy Fingers

Look for baskets of wool in the waiting areas, and pass some time by knitting a square. Volunteers collect these squares and sew them together to make afghans, which are distributed throughout the Institute. Patients are encouraged to take the afghans home, compliments of Volunteer Services.

Cancer Information Centre

The Centre provides library and information services. You may borrow from a large collection of books, videos, audio-cassettes, and CD's on cancer related topics such as diagnosis, cancer types and therapies, coping with cancer, nutrition, and real life stories. Located by the escalators, the Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friendly Visitor

Volunteers support inpatients by sitting at the bedside, helping with meals, reading, taking for walks, etc. Ask a visitor about borrowing music, videos, books, games, puzzles etc. from the Lite House.

"Crossing Gift Shop

A variety of gift items, floral arrangements, cards, newspapers, magazines, snacks and toiletries are available for sale Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Gift Shop also carries many different styles of headwear.

Hairdressing

Hair services and wigs are available, on a donation basis, for cancer patients. The Hairdressing Salon is open Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to Noon, and Wednesday from 9:00 - 3:00 pm for cuts, shampoos and sets. Inpatients may ask for bed shampoos during this time. You may contact Volunteer Services at other times during the week if you wish to be fitted for a wig. Call (780) 432-8334 or Click here for more information.

Hostess Cart

Volunteers offer refreshments to patients and visitors in the outpatient waiting areas. Watch for the cart each morning and afternoon.

Lite House

This comfortable lounge on Station 30 (Room 3019) houses a collection of music, videos, books, games or puzzles for enjoyment while at the Cross Cancer Institute. Call (780) 432-8334 for more information.

Look Good... Feel Better

Certified volunteer cosmetologists will show you how to manage appearance changes due to cancer therapy. This is offered free of charge through the Canadian Toiletry & Fragrance Association Foundation and the Department of Psychology. For more information and pre-registration, phone (780) 432-8703.

Lunch Cart

Volunteers visit and provide lunch to people in the Medical Day Care Unit and Chemo Room. There is a charge for sandwiches and soup.

Out-patient Escorts

Volunteers are stationed at front reception to escort patients and visitors to various areas of the Institute. They will also provide a wheelchair for you, if required.

Sun Room

This bright and comfortable Cafe is located by the front entrance and is open for ervice Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Patients, staff, and visitors are welcome! The Sun Room is available for use as a lounge evenings and weekends.

Van Shuttles

The Cross Cancer Institute van shuttles residents between the Institute and Out- patient Residence for appointments. The van operates Monday to Friday, 7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Videos

You may borrow from a large collection of humour and recreational videos in the Lite House on Station 30 (room 3019). These are for viewing at the Institute or the Outpatient Residence only. Sign out on an honour basis.

Transportation

Canadian Cancer Society has a Volunteer Driver Program to assist patients who need help with transportation for treatments. Contact (780) 437-8406 to make arrangements

Volunteering at the Cross Cancer Institute

Many people are interested in knowing more about volunteer opportunities at the Cross Cancer Institute. You may e-mail your inquiry to ccivols@cancerboard.ab.ca  .