Construction of Wellspring Chinguacousy almost complete
Cancer support facility opening in April needs volunteers

Volunteers are now needed to help fill various roles at the Wellspring Chinguacousy centre.

"Volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization," said Michelle Adamsk1, manager of the centre. "They do everything that is truly important. They are essential in the day-today workings of the house."

Wellspring Chinguacousy is a non-residential, fully accessible facility run by the Wellspring Foundation. The 6,000 square-foot building is located at Torbram and Father Tobin Roads in Brampton.

Wellspring's goals are to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families, reduce fear and isolation, reinforce personal inner resources and help people understand and cope with cancer. Programs are provided at no charge to women, men and children affected by the disease.

There will be a bimonthly What's On pamphlet distributed. April's programs offer peer support, patients supports, caregivers support, yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, tai chi, gentle yoga, relaxation and visualization and introduction to art therapy. In addition, there are three discussion series offered - What is Chemo Brain and What Can I Do About It?; Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence; and Colorectal Cancer and Genetics: Am I or Loved Ones at Risk?

Registration is required for all presentations. For more information or to register, call (905) 792- 6480.

The centre will only have one full-time and one parttime staff member, making volunteers essential to the operation of the facility. Approximately 150 will be required.

There are many different positions that need to be filled. Volunteers are predominantly needed during weekdays, with a minimum commitment of three hours a week.

"One of the roles we need filled is peer support volunteers, who are people who have experienced cancer themselves or cared for someone with cancer," Adamski explained. "We also need drivers who would drive people from their homes to Wellspring. We invite all members of the Caledon community will offer their talents in the house."

One of the first volunteers from Caledon to sign up was Aurora McMullan. The long-time and well-known Bolton woman has offered her services for the peer support program.

"I thought, what better place to spend my time than to help individuals with cancer and their families, since I had been through it," McMullan said. "I was so happy to hear that services like this are now more easily accessible for residents living in Caledon. Being a mother and a grandmother, I see this centre as offering hope and strength for our residents and their families to get through their most challenging times. Having it nearby to serve the Caledon community is truly a gift."

Gael Miles, Brampton City councillor and champion of Wellspring Chinguacousy, said Caledon Mayor Marilyn Morrison is a founder for this centre as she lead a motion to provide some of the start up funds from the former Chinguacousy Health Services Board.

"People want to help because everyone has been touched in some way by cancer," Miles said. "This is a place where people with cancer and their families can get help and it is going to make such a difference in our communities."

For information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Adamski at (905) 792-6480 or e-mail michelle@wellspring.ca.