Community Care offers an escorted volunteer driving program to help seniors get to medical appointments and essential shopping. This program helps to maximize the independence of seniors with friendly volunteer drivers. Staff will arrange rides for seniors 60+ to medical appointments wherever they need to go including local or to destinations further away such as Toronto, Ottawa or Kingston. Rides for essential shopping are also provided. The fee is reasonable for the clients and is based on .50/km. The volunteer waits with the client while they are in the appointment. 

These are some of the things that volunteer drivers say about the 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.”  “To give back.”  “I’ve been doing this three years and I love it, each time is different and it’s a challenge, too.”

“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.

Community Care values its volunteer’s time and works with volunteers to make sure the experience works with their schedule.  We strive to create a process where drivers can always tell the office staff that they are unavailable, without any regrets.

“The way you do it, alternating drivers and clients is good.  It minimizes the possibility of personal attachment (beyond a healthy relationship) and maintains professional balance.”

There are benefits both for the seniors who are clients of this program and for the volunteer as well.  After all, studies show that volunteers live longer, healthier, happier lives.  “I’m very happy with doing it and there is obviously a need in the community,” said one volunteer driver.

To get involved as a driver call the Community Care office and arrange a time to meet with a staff person to start the conversation about volunteering.  If you need a ride, call today.  613-476-7493.