Wanda Bailey has tirelessly volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society with no pursuit for recognition. Doing her part to help in the collective push to find a cure for cancer and to provide vital cancer-related support services in the community provides all the motivation the Souris resident has ever needed to drive her 20 years and counting of selfless volunteering. "I just stayed with it,'' she said in an interview with The Guardian Thursday after receiving a special volunteer award from the Canadian Cancer Society, P.E.I. division. "I find it a very worthy cause to be involved in — the cancer fight — because there are a lot of people that you know of that have some connection to cancer.''

Wanda Bailey of Souris was humbled by her special recognition this week for putting in 20 years of dedicated volunteer work for the Canadian Cancer Society, P.E.I. division. Guardian photo by Jim Day

Not long after, Bailey started door-to-door canvassing for the cause.

Her volunteering has not only continued for two decades but expanded into numerous roles. She has served on regional committees, including the executive.

Today, she serves as area captain for the Eastern Kings region. She is also the contact person for the Community Engagement Project of the P.E.I. division and acts in this role for the Eastern Kings region overall.

“You feel like you are doing something — that you’re doing your part,’’ she said in explaining what drives her to stay so involved with the Canadian Cancer Society.

“You try to do as much as you can.’’

On Thursday, the P.E.I. division said thank you to Bailey, among others, during the 2009 Volunteer Recognition Awards.

Bailey was honoured by being inducted to the Della (Rowledge) Murphy Memorial Volunteer Wall, a nod that recognizes outstanding efforts of volunteers in the fight against cancer. She was touched and humbled by the public acknowledgement.

“I?didn’t get involved to get an award but it is nice to get recognized and I think everybody would feel the same way,’’ she said.

“There’s a lot of volunteers out there that don’t get recognized.’’

Certainly, the P.E.I. division of the Canadian Cancer Society can never be accused of taking their valued volunteers for granted. Praise and recognition was heaped on them during the division’s annual general meeting.

Four Islanders received provincial volunteer awards and two departing board members were recognized for their efforts in helping to make a difference in the province in the fight against cancer.

“Our volunteers on P.E.I. are the heart of our organization,’’ said Betty Newson, president of the Canadian Cancer Society, P.E.I. division.

“Their passion, caring and courage brings hope to others. They rally their families and communities to fight the disease together and ensure that no one faces cancer alone.’’

Sherrill Horne of Elmsdale was inducted along with Bailey to the Della Murphy Memorial Volunteer Wall. Horne, who came on board as a volunteer in 1994, has been vice president of the West Prince region since 2005, a supporter of the West Prince Cancer Jamboree, active in the annual daffodil sales and a volunteer of the Westisle Relay For Life.

Melanie McMillan of Tignish received The Leaders of Tomorrow Award which recognizes young volunteers under 30 years old who have made a considerable contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society. McMillan was instrumental in bringing the Relay For Life to Westisle Composite high school. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm is credited with inspiring other students at Westisle to become involved in the event.

Outgoing board members Berni Kenna and Dr. George Carruthers were recognized for their contributions and new board members John Callaghan, Brian McFeely and Dr. Charles Duffy were welcomed.