Cancer Awareness Month & Making A Difference

It’s both Cancer Awareness Month this April and National Volunteer Week from April 14-20, and Canadian charitable organization Look Good Feel Better has been helping people facing cancer for 30+ years via its volunteer-led complimentary workshops designed to help people manage the appearance-related impact of cancer and its treatment. With a focus on both cancer awareness and the impact of Canadian volunteers throughout April, we chatted with Vancouver local Randene Rizzuto, who is celebrating her 20-year milestone as a proud Look Good Feel Better volunteer and workshop leader next year. —Noa Nichol

When and why did you start volunteering with Look Good Feel Better?

I started volunteering 24 years ago at the Jean C. Barber Lodge. I was working in the area as a beauty advisor and would have some of the patients/residents come shop in my store. I heard about the program, which offered a skincare and makeup workshop to women going through cancer treatment and I liked the idea of using my skills and knowledge to give back and help. I currently lead two workshops each month, including the Skincare & Cosmetics in-person workshop at the Jean C. Barber Lodge and I also moderate for the Bras & Prostheses online workshop.

What are some of the most memorable moments for you from the past 20 years of volunteering with the organization?

My most memorable moments have been seeing the difference in participants from when they enter the room to the end of the workshop. At first, they are unsure about what exactly the workshop entails and many don’t even want to participate. However, once we get the workshop activities underway, it’s amazing to witness the spirit in the room lift and see the participants connecting and supporting one another. It connects people who otherwise would not have met. They encourage one another, share stories of their journey and leave looking good and feeling better. It’s truly a wonderful thing!

If others are thinking of volunteering with LGFB, what types of opportunities/roles are there, and what advice/encouragement would you give?

There are many different roles that the organization needs support with to facilitate their workshops both in person and online. Look Good Feel Better workshops must be led by trained cosmetic advisors and hair alternative specialists, but there are also other roles Canadians can support including: online workshop moderation, community outreach and follow up/reminder calls for workshops. I’m very involved in the beauty community and am constantly encouraging people with these skills to volunteer for Look Good Feel Better. Life is very busy and sometimes we get caught up in the grind, but being part of the organization and facilitating these workshops always leaves me feeling grateful and happy that I was able to make others feel better! Over the next year, Look Good Feel Better will be expanding its group of volunteers, sponsors, event attendees and donors, who dedicate so much time and compassion to its services. There are many ways you can get involved and Canadians can visit lgfb.ca to learn more.

Beyond volunteers, what other sorts of help/assistance does the organization accept/require?

Beyond volunteering, Canadians can help Look Good Feel Better provide these free services for cancer patients year-round through donations at lgfb.ca/en/donate/ and supporting fundraising events in various cities across the country. 

What keeps you motivated?

I am motivated by helping to make a difference in someone’s day. It’s rewarding to watch the workshop participants interact, laugh, have fun, and forget for a couple hours about cancer. It’s also incredible to see participants connect with others who know what they are going through and find support outside of their close circle of friends and family. I feel so lucky to have been able to volunteer for Look Good Feel Better and make a difference in so many people’s lives.