Receiving cancer treatment is challenging enough, so reducing the stress surrounding travel is important.

The Canadian Cancer Society's Kordyban Lodge is being built to do just that. When it opens later this year it will become a home away from home for up to 36 patients and caregivers who are visiting Prince George to receive treatment at the new BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North.

With the opening date approaching, the cancer society is beginning a recruitment drive for 80 to 100 volunteers to give their time to help the lodge run smoothly. About 40 people have already signed on to help out.

"Hopefully we can make it as home-like as possible," lodge manager Charlene Iverson said, noting many volunteers are needed to help out in the hospitality services.

She's hoping to have two volunteers on hand in the hospitality department for 12 hours a day, divided into four-hour shifts.

Iverson said the lodge is also seeking people to lead some of its committees as well as handymen and women to do odds and ends work around the facility. She's also looking for people to help out in the hair salon and with prosthetics.

"It will help people to look good and feel better while they're staying there," she said.

The Canadian Cancer Society will hold support programs at the facility, which also includes a library and rooms designated for exercise, massage therapy and mediation. Iverson said some of the events, such as movie nights, will be lead by the volunteer-run smile committee.

"The smile committee is all about laughter being the best medicine," she said. "They will help promote a culture of fun in the lodge to help distract people and help keep them optimistic and hopeful as they go through their treatment."

Anyone looking for more information about volunteer opportunities can call the Canadian Cancer Society's Prince George office at 250-564-0885 or email: volunteerno...@bc.cancer.ca.

More information is also available online at: www.kordybanlodge.ca