They hold the car door open for her. They make sure shes comfortable and relaxed. They take her directly to her medical appointments and are there for her when shes done. If shes been told bad news, they dont mind if she cries on the trip home. They listen and care about her as a person, not just a passenger.
Its just the personal touch that really makes a difference, Patricia Duval says of the volunteer drivers shes met through the West End Seniors Network. I dont think I could have gone through what I did without them.
Duvals career as a singer and dancer took her around the world and shes now living at PAL Vancouver, a haven for retired performing artists whose lives, but not their bank accounts, were enriched by creative experiences. Health problems have necessitated numerous medical appointments and even if Duval could afford to travel that often by taxi, getting a ride from someone with whom you feel comfortable at times of stress, has made her indebted to the program.
One of her regular drivers is Ray Roland, a self-effacing retired banker who logged 40 hours in November and 16 hours in December. Its painless for me to do, he says. You get to meet some nice people, get to understand what theyre going through and help them deal with that.
While the WESN will cover a drivers expenses, such as extra insurance, parking and mileage for trips out of the West End, many volunteers dont asked to be reimbursed.
For the clients, the program is subsidized through the Better At Home program, which falls under the United Way. Theres a sliding scale of fees based on a seniors income, from free to still modest.
The WESN also has an agreement with the Modo car co-op. This is perfect for people who want to volunteer but dont have a car. The cost is paid for by the program, not the driver.
More volunteer drivers (and volunteers, period) are always welcome at the West End Seniors Network, which is based in the city-owned Barclay Manor. In February, it is launching its 9th annual Helping Hearts fundraising campaign. This years goal is $15,000 and the monies will go towards several programs.
To volunteer as a driver, please contact Dora Ng at 604-669-5051 or email her at [email protected].
To donate to Helping Hearts, please go to WESN.ca
