Volunteer Drivers Needed for Social Programs

One of the hardest things for seniors to adjust to is their increasing isolation due to age, illness, loss of spouse and increased difficulty in accessing transit. Many have to relinquish their driver's license when the tests indicate that they are no longer capable of safely operating a motor vehicle. This loss of independence often results in the senior staying home rather than going out into the community.

Citizen Support Services offers several social programs designed to get isolated seniors out of their homes and into social situations where they can enjoy a nice lunch or an outing and, most importantly, social contact with peers. These programs rely on volunteer drivers to transport the seniors to and from venues for lunch or to and from the location where a bus picks them up or drops off them from a bus outing.

Volunteer drivers must go through a screening process, whereby they are interviewed and trained. They are asked to provide a Criminal Record Check and two personal references, a copy of their Driver's Abstract and to ensure that they carry adequate insurance on their vehicles.

The Lunch Programs operate in South Burnaby on Mondays (at Edmonds Community Centre) and in North Burnaby on Thursdays (at Confederation Centre). The Gadabouts bus outings program takes place once a month, usually on a Wednesday, with the drivers transporting the seniors to and from Bill Copeland Arena where the bus are waiting.

The advantages to being a Volunteer Driver are many. We offer: flexibility, as we realize that people are sometimes sick or away on holidays or business; remuneration for mileage at the current rate of $0.52/km; appreciation events held annually; that wonderful feeling of making a difference in the life of another person and in the community in general; a great opportunity meet people and make friends while having fun.

There is an ongoing need for kind, caring and competent drivers to transport and assist the clients to these much enjoyed social outings. Often the driver is welcome to stay and assist at the Lunch Program (as a host/ess) or on the bus trip. If you, or someone you know, is interested in making a difference in the lives of lonely seniors or people with disabilities, please contact Citizen Support Services at 604-294-7980.

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