WEST CARLETON – The Western Ottawa Community Resource’s (WOCRC) rural outreach worker Amanda Labbe has been doing such a great job promoting the centre’s transportation initiatives, the search for volunteer drivers is on.

The WOCRC provides transportation services for individuals who can transfer safely and independently in to a vehicle. Clients schedule rides in advance. Where required, WOCRC drivers will provide support for those needing assistance with stairs or elevators, at their destination.

In West Carleton, the WOCRC charges $10 return for trips under 30 kilometres, $18 return for tips more than 31 kms and $10 for grocery trips.

Labbe has been promoting the program heavily for months in the West Carleton community. In November she shared a presentation at the Carp Commons Retirement Village; she participated in the Constance Bay Santa Claus Parade and attended the Fitzroy Harbour Christmas Craft Sale handing out postcards on the service along the route; and in between then and now, Labbe has attended several senior-focused events in West Carleton sharing the virtues and details of the WOCRC program.

West Carleton Online attended the Carp Commons presentation where Labbe spoke to about 20 people about the service and brought along a couple of the volunteer drivers.

“We have one or two drivers available per day,” Labbe said Nov. 18. “We ask for seven days’ notice, but we’re not quite so busy yet, but we can’t guarantee. Give us a call though because we might be able to do it.”

“We take a lot of husbands and wives,” volunteer driver Maha El-Chantiry told the group.

Carp Commons’ very first resident Faye Steele attended the presentation and said she’s used the service and is a big fan.

“We’re very grateful the service is available,” Steele told West Carleton Online. “Allowing us to access a ride to go to a craft show on a Saturday is wonderful. It gives us a social life. I’ve used it ever since my husband passed away.”

Now the WOCRC is looking for more volunteer drivers.

“The WOCRC is in immediate need of volunteer drivers for our transportation program,” WOCRC staff released in a statement today (Jan. 7). “Just a few hours a week of volunteering can brighten your day and the day of many others.”

If you are interested in this or other opportunities, please contact volunteer@wocrc.ca or call 613-591-3686 ext. 280.

If you are a senior or adult with a physical disability in need of the service, click here for more information.