WEST CARLETON – Ever find yourself in need of a ride? Are you an older adult or an adult with a physical disability? You are not alone.

The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) provides low-cost transportation to residents of West Carleton. Some West Carleton residents and a volunteer driver recently shared their experiences with the transportation service.

Anne (clients full names will not be used to protect their identity) is an older adult that lives in West Carleton. Recently, Anne’s health temporarily changed and she found herself in need of a ride even though she still has a car. WOCRC transportation service was able to assist her. She was able to use the service to get to medical appointments and to continue attending social events in the community.

Anne told the WOCRC the transportation service helped her “stay independent” and gave her peace of mind knowing she could get to all her appointments worry free. Having the transportation service available also meant she could “stay socially connected in the community and not be housebound.” Anne said the service was “efficient and excellent” and the drivers were “courteous and helpful.”

S.B. began using the transportation service after being hospitalized due to a fall.

Without the service I would be home all the time,” S.B. said. “It’s a way to get out, to get to your appointments, and to see something other than the walls of your house.”

S.B. said the drivers are all very helpful and nice. She really enjoys talking with the drivers. The added bonus is, “the price is so good compared to other providers.”

S.B. uses the service to get her groceries. When the driver takes her to get groceries, she chooses the grocery store and then gets dropped off right at the front door. She usually takes about an hour to get her groceries. The driver will often come in the store “to help pack the groceries and then bring them to the car.”

In fact, S.B. said, “I have never had to lift my grocery bags. It is nice to be so respected.”

The WOCRC is able to provide rides thanks to its drivers. The volunteer drivers are residents of West Carleton communities. Maha El-Chantiry is one. When asked why she began to volunteer as a driver El-Chantiry said “she wanted to be helpful and give back to the community.”

She chose to volunteer for WOCRC specifically because it is “a well-known organization with a good reputation.”

El-Chantiry has helped many clients with rides to medical appointments. She most enjoys the time spent “socializing and hearing clients’ stories during the drive the best.”

She said clients are very appreciative and grateful for the service.

She helps “clients get into the building as needed and then leaves until the client’s appointment is over.”

Since El-Chantiry can leave, the client often does not have to pay parking fees which makes travelling to medical appointments even more affordable.

The WOCRC transportation service can be used for medical appointments, grocery shopping and social events.

Transportation Fees (Round Trip):

• 0 to 30 km – $10
• 31 and more km – $18
• Grocery Shopping – $10

Is this service right for you?

Call WOCRC and ask. We would be happy to speak with you – 613-591-3686 ext 3. Clients must live in West Carleton and have a postal code beginning with K0A, K2W, K7S or K2K 1X7. Free parking is available at several local hospitals. Clients are asked to pay for parking where free parking is not available only when necessary.