When the days shorten, the snow flies and the roads are covered in the white stuff some people decide it’s better not to drive their car. If you are one of those people then you might be interested to know that Community Care offers an escorted volunteer driving program to help seniors get to medical appointments and shopping.

The steps to becoming involved are first to call the office and arrange an “intake” where our staff will ask you a few questions and the names of your emergency contacts. Once you’re all signed up you just call in and request a ride. We need two-to-three business days notice so that there is time to arrange for a driver.

Once a driver has agreed to do the ride then staff call you back and tell you the name of the driver and confirm the pick up time. Seniors can arrange rides to Ottawa, Toronto, and points in between for medical appointments. Local rides to the doctor or a clinic can also be set up for you. Shopping is another thing that our drivers will do. The great part is that this is an “escorted” program and the driver stays with the client for the whole trip. They only have one person they are looking after, and that’s you. What’s better than that!

We have the best volunteers here in Prince Edward County and our drivers are top notch. This is what some of them have to say about being part of this program: “I enjoy meeting new people and helping those in this community,” said one driver. “What goes around comes around,” said another. “Being involved in this program keeps me active and interested.” “Driving older people makes me feel younger and gets me out of the house.” “I enjoy the time and I also enjoy driving.” “I’ve been a volunteer driver for 16 years and I love it. I love the people and get great satisfaction from being involved.” Another driver said “someday I’ll need the help. Also, I learn so much about Prince Edward County.”

One volunteer driver said that his experience with the staff of Community Care is very positive. “They are professional, well organized and always cheerful. Everyone at Community Care is very concerned about client confidentiality”, he said. The fee for this program is kept as low as possible and is based upon .40/km. There are benefits both for the seniors who are clients of this program and for the volunteers as well. After all, studies show that volunteers live longer, healthier, happier lives. To get involved as a client or as a driver call the Community Care office and arrange a time to meet with a co-ordinator. Call 613-476-7493 today.

Divine Christmas cookies recipes

Participants can bring their favourite Christmas cookie recipe, prepare a batch at home to share and chat about while enjoying coffee or tea and trying each other’s Christmas cookies at an exchange event at Wellington Town Hall Dec. 18.. Sign up today for this County Seniors Centre event by calling 613-476-7493. Registration is required.

A Christmas meal with trimmings

Seniors are welcome to sign up for the meal in Miford on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at noon. The menu features a traditional Christmas meal of homemade soup, turkey with cranberry sauce, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, dessert, bread and butter, coffee and tea and catered by Bill Grieve, the chef with Wheel House and Occasions Catering.

This event will include some Christmas activities that you won’t want to miss. The cost is $10 per person. Reserve by the Tuesday prior at noon, 613-476-7493. Take-out and delivery are available.

– Debbie MacDonald Moynes