A volunteer group called the Nanny Angel Network is providing free "relief" childcare for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The service is being offered in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa. Women in need of a break can get up to five hours of childcare a week.
The program is currently staffed by 66 professional nannies who are volunteering their own time, said Audrey Guth, the founder of Nanny Angel and president of Diamond Personnel, a nanny placement agency. Ms. Guth came up with the idea for the service after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.
"It is to relieve some stress on mothers with breast cancer," said Ms. Guth, who noted that many single moms or recent immigrants lack a support network. Nanny Angel gives moms peace of mind that their children are in good hands while they get some much-needed rest, go to appointments or simply have some time for themselves, she said.
The charity Rethink Breast Cancer is providing funds to run the operation, which includes a part-time co-ordinator who matches women with volunteer nannies. In Toronto, the number to call is 416-730-0025. Outside Toronto, the toll-free number is 1-877-731-8866. The website is nannyangelnetwork.com.