Volunteers are a primary source of our organization's power to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Our volunteers range from professionals who devote specialized pro bono time to us to folks who have a couple extra hours to stuff envelopes. They are a dedicated, energetic group of hundreds and the engine that drives the important work of Children's Cancer Research Fund.
Event Assistance
Volunteers are involved in many aspects of our events, including set-up and teardown, registration, on-site event management (i.e. parking, water stops), selling tickets, taking phone pledges and much, much more. Here is a sampling Children’s Cancer Research Fund events needing volunteer assistance:
Care Partners
Care Partners is a one-of-a-kind program that, through volunteers, provides nonmedical support to patients and families who are receiving blood and marrow transplants and other treatments for cancer and blood-related disorders at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview.
** Please note: According to hospital policy, all volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Volunteers deliver support and encouragement to families who are under a tremendous amount of emotional, physical and financial stress.
Various opportunities are available for this emotional and rewarding experience, including:
- Family Volunteer – Family Volunteers are assigned to a family and work with that family throughout their entire course of treatment and stay in the Twin Cities area. Volunteers offer friendship and support by helping the patient and family with non-medical needs, such as sitting with a patient so that a family member can take a break, transportation to and from the airport, picking up groceries or lending a listening ear.
Time Commitment: Volunteers are required to attend an eight-hour training. When working with a family, the time commitment can vary depending on the needs of the family as well as the volunteer’s availability, but weekly contact is expected. - Unit Volunteer – Unit Volunteers work a four-hour shift once a week on the hospital unit. Unit volunteers provide short-term breaks for parents and caregivers by staying with children, reading stories, playing games and watching movies. Volunteers may also assist with siblings and children of patients.
Time Commitment: Volunteers are required to attend a four-hour training and commit to one four-hour shift per week for at least six months. - Clinic Volunteer – Clinic volunteers work in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Outpatient Clinic and the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic where they provide and supervise art and craft projects to young patients and siblings. Weekday morning shifts available.
Time Commitment: Volunteers commit to one three-hour shift weekly or bi-weekly for at least six months. Appropriate training is provided.
Please fill out a volunteer information request to begin the application process to become a Care Partners volunteer.
If you have questions about Care Partners, please contact: Teresa Turner or Alex Thwaites