Like most Canadians, Hugh Baker always looks forward to spring. However, this year he's doing so with some misgivings.
That's because Baker, the organizer of this year's Canadian Cancer Society door-to-door canvass campaign in April, said he's woefully short of volunteers — and time is running out.
"There's a drastic need for door-to-door canvassers, office canvassers and online canvassers," he said. "Canvassers are needed in all areas of Oceanside, including Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and right through to Bowser."
The national campaign to raise funds for cancer research kicks off April 1.
Baker said he has a lot to do before then.
"Last year we had 186 people," he said. "And even with that we were really short. This year we are 100 down from last year at the moment. We have a tele-recruiter working but it's a large task for one person."
Because of this, Baker is looking for a mass of people to step forward over the next month. He stressed it's not as difficult as it might sound.
"We have walks within a set area we lay out," he said. "We give each person a map, and they can go door knocking at their chosen time during the month, collecting funds. Those who are not comfortable going to the door can take part in online canvassing, which is a growing trend in the last few years."
Anyone who is uncomfortable with this option too can opt to take a receipt book with them to work and canvass co-workers, he added.
Last year, volunteers in the Parksville-Qualicum area raised $45,000, but that total came after the campaign got off to such a late start there was talk of cancelling it. This year, Baker said he's hoping he can get an earlier start and raise even more.
Anyone who would like to take part should call Baker at 250-468-1820.