Jul 04, 2018


The demand keeps growing! Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation (SFCSC) in Sydenham is in need of additional volunteer drivers to take seniors to medical appointments, programs at the Grace Centre, and more. Volunteers can choose to drive as frequently as they like and are paid a per-kilometre reimbursement.

“The population in South Frontenac is growing,” says SFCSC Executive Director David Townsend, “especially in the number of seniors. As fewer of them are able to drive, and have an increasing number of medical appointments, the demand for transportation is growing rapidly. It’s hard to keep up.”

Heather Rogers is the Volunteer Coordinator at SFCSC. She says that the pool of volunteer drivers currently on her roster is not enough to fill the demand. Rogers adds, “In the summer, several of our drivers want to take holidays, so we really have a shortfall.”

Seniors typically need drives to medical appointments in Kingston, rides to programs at SFCSC, such as Diners Club, or drives for shopping. Volunteer drivers can determine how often they want to drive, and drivers are paid a per-kilometre reimbursement. Being a volunteer driver is a great opportunity for shift workers, part-time employees and retirees to get involved in the community when it fits their schedule.

In addition, SFCSC has received grants for additional funds to reach out to seniors who are most isolated to bring them to programs offered at the Grace Centre in Sydenham – social clubs, fitness programs, meal programs, and more. The goal is to keep seniors connected, healthy and active so that they are able to live in their own homes longer.

Being a volunteer driver can also be inspiring – as volunteer driver John Ruys puts it: “The older folks in our community have been through a lot, and they have interesting stories to tell. I consider it a privilege to listen.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver, please contact Heather Rogers at 613-376-6477, extension 306, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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