Rural_routes

Jeff Green | Apr 12, 2007

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Rural Routes is growing!

Rural Routes is growing! We need your help! Why not become a Volunteer Driver – drive as much or as little as you like – it’s up to you! People who volunteer make a difference.

Rural Routes, operating under the umbrella of Northern Frontenac Community Services, provides transportation to residents of the townships of North Frontenac, Central Frontenac, and Bedford Township in South Frontenac. We work with Adult Services, the Child Centre, Northern Connections Learning Centre, Ontario Works, ODSP, Children’s Aid Society, the Triboard Student Transportation, as well as individuals who require the service.

An Evaluation conducted in November found that 48% of clients are over 60 years of age; 78% have an annual income of less than $19,000, and the most common use of Rural Routes is for shopping, banking, medical and dental appointments.

Some clients do not drive, or do not own a vehicle. Others are very happy to drive locally, but are uncomfortable driving into the city – that’s where you as a volunteer driver for Rural Routes can help out. By providing the kind of transportation we do, Rural Routes offers residents the ability to get to and from personal appointments for a range of medical services they may require, as well as social, cultural and recreational activities. Seniors are able to access shopping trips or destinations of special interest.

Volunteer drivers are required to have a valid drivers license, one million auto liability insurance, a Police Check and Drivers Record Check, and a cell phone. Volunteer drivers are paid a ‘reasonable reimbursement’ of .35/k for transportation provided. Drive destinations are Kingston, Perth, Smiths Falls, occasionally Ottawa, and Belleville. All transportation is arranged through the office.

Also, when transporting children, it would be very helpful to have another adult in the vehicle to deal with the immediate needs of the children. “Look at this!” “Can you get my book? It fell!” We are looking for volunteers to act in this capacity.

All across Canada volunteers are routinely engaged in enriching the lives of others – as a matter of fact, volunteers might be considered Canada’s greatest natural resource! This caring group of people makes a meaningful contribution that strengthens the fabric of Canadian society and helps to build strong communities.

Think about making your community a better place – about enriching the lives of others – and who knows? You may end up with a smile on your face!

For more information about becoming a volunteer driver or a driver’s assistants for Rural Routes Transportation Service, call Jane at 613-279-2044 or 1-877-279-2044.