Bonsor’s 55+ centre is in desperate need of volunteers to drive a 20-passenger bus.
Volunteers take seniors on monthly outings – from lunch at Lower Mainland restaurants or pubs, to overnight trips to Harrison Hot Springs – but have had to cancel a few trips in the last couple of weeks.
“We have five drivers currently, but not all of them are committed; two of them are part-time,” said Don Doyle, a recreation programmer at the centre, adding he’d like to have at least 10 volunteers on his roster.
Bonsor ran into the same problem last summer when its list of drivers dwindled to four.
Wing Mark, a volunteer driver of 12 years, told the NOW the seniors who come on the trips are mostly women. Some don’t drive anymore.
“Many tell me that, ‘Without you guys, I almost would be stuck in my condo or apartment. They’re so thankful we provide this service. It allows them to socialize,” said Mark.
The volunteer commitment is two trips a month, he added, and drivers must have a class four licence, have good customer service, have experience with seniors and be comfortable navigating around the Lower Mainland.
“All the drivers are fully trained; they go through an interview process. They have to get a criminal record check done, and once they get all of that cleared, they go on a couple trips with an experienced driver,” explained Doyle.
Should the bus break down or an emergency happen, the bus comes with an easy-to-follow policy manual. Insurance, meanwhile, is covered by the Bonsor 55+ Society.
The trips vary in cost. Lunch excursions range from $8 to $14 (non-members pay a couple bucks more), while other events, like Tea & Trumpets VSO ($63.72) and an Afternoon at the Theatre ($27.34) cost more. The centre reimburses the costs of meals for volunteer drivers, and any driver hosting an overnight getaway will have his or her hotel room paid for by the city.
To sign up as a volunteer driver, call Doyle at 604-297-4587 or email [email protected].
