Local seniors are being given the opportunity to thank the angels in their lives that pick them up and drop them off for trips to the doctor’s office, mall or other errands.
The Driving Angels program was launched at the St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club yesterday. Its objective is to recognize those who already perform this valuable service and don’t ask for anything in return. It’s also hoped greater awareness will encourage more residents to give a little bit of their time to share rides with those who need it most.
“It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment to make a huge difference in someone’s life,” explained Tara Rodrique, the outreach program co-ordinator at the seniors’ club. According to a report from the St. Albert Seniors’ Working Group, an association of local agencies and the city, statistical research indicated affordable and accessible transportation were among the top four concerns of local seniors.
“We get phone calls from seniors all the time with transportation problems,” Rodrique explained. “They have no way to get to the doctor, especially if they have an appointment in Edmonton. That’s a huge one.”
Taxis and other driving services are often too costly for some seniors, she added, especially for clients like one man who needs to go for dialysis treatment three times a week. “Some of them just can’t afford it.”
While the seniors’ club already helps facilitate transportation needs of members through the Learn to Ride program, it recognizes that there are still other existing opportunities to match up those who don’t access city buses with those who have personal vehicles and unoccupied passenger seats.
Driving Angels is a partnership between the St. Albert Seniors Working Group, the St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club, city and the Alberta Motor Association. Driving Angels also seeks to recognize excellent customer service by other transportation providers.
To learn more about the program or nominate an angel, call the seniors’ club at 780-459-0433 or visit www.stalbertseniorsclub.org.
