Transportation volunteers needed in Windsor Essex County

Transportation volunteers needed in Windsor Essex County

If you enjoy driving and would like to volunteer two to four hour hours per week, the Alzheimer Society in Winsor Essex County is looking for you.

The Society operates a great day program supporting 60 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This is a program that really makes a positive difference in their daily lives.

The only challenge is the waitlist for transportation because of a shortage of volunteer drivers. Transportation is outsourced as much as possible to agencies like Handi Transit to lessen the need for volunteer transportation services. Unfortunately, some clients are not eligible because of their needs and we don’t want to leave anyone behind.

This volunteer position is very much needed and it is a great opportunity to support your community. The rewards of getting to know the clients and their families are many.

I talked to Bob Davis, a volunteer driver for the past three years and retired long-haul truck driver. Bob volunteers a couple of times a week for four hours and is so enthusiastic he would actually love to do even more.

“I use my 47 years of driving experience and I love driving but I also like the enjoyment of conversing with the passengers. I like their humor. It’s a great atmosphere to be with them and there is always a councilor on board to help me,” he commented. “I pick my own schedule and make sure I show up when I say.” Bob also goes above and beyond by doing a quick safety check on the vehicle each before he starts his run.

The Winsor Essex County Society provides training. All you need is a valid driver’s license and a commitment of six months. The screening includes:

  • Police record check
  • Driver’s abstract reporting driving infractions in the last three year
  • Health Screening
  • Interview
  • Application form and references

The services provided by transportation volunteers like Bob are so valued by the families because caretakers need the break and often can’t afford the cost of transportation. Plus, they are doing so much for the patients who get the benefit of a day out and new activities.

For more information, please contact Nadine Manroe, at nmanroe@aswecare.com.

About the Blog Author: Karen McCall is an Alzheimer Society volunteer helping to make a difference.
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