Community Thanks Volunteers And Calls For More

What better time to thank volunteers than during National Volunteer Week, May 15 to 21?

Young/Boorowa Community Transport Service Area Manager, Kelly Rolfe has thanked volunteers who keep the service running.

“Community Transport would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our dedicated band of volunteers,” Ms Rolfe said.

“Our organisation celebrates a small, but dedicated, band of kind and caring people who give many hours of their time to ensure that community members who are unable to drive themselves to medical appointments, shopping and social activities gain access to those things that many of us take for granted.”

Ms Rolfe said the service travelled 447,269 kms, and provided 14,327 trips with a total of 14,917 hours given by volunteers, last financial year.

“Over the past 12 months, volunteers have had to contend with very wet weather, floods, bad road conditions and the lingering COVID concerns but they have done so without complaint, giving selflessly of their time to assure that people have received transport,” Ms Rolfe said.

“We cannot thank them enough for what they do for our community and without them we would not be able to provide the quantity and quality of service that we currently have.”

“Have you ever experienced the inability to get somewhere or to an appointment as you couldn’t drive, didn’t have a vehicle or a licence or maybe you were just too unwell to drive? If you have then you would have experienced that lack of independence and worrying time when you needed to ask someone for assistance which many of our community members face each day especially as they age.”

“Our wonderful volunteers are on hand to transport these people both short and long distances to enable them to access the services and appointments needed both in Young, and surrounding towns and regional centres.”

Despite the efforts of their volunteers, Community Transport continues to experience a shortage of volunteer drivers and as the service grows to try to meet community needs, attracting more volunteer drivers is essential for the organisation to continue running.

“If you like driving, have some time to spare, enjoy meeting people and helping others to stay living independently in their community we would love to hear from you,” Ms Rolfe said.

“We offer the opportunity to drive both locally or longer distances in comfortable vehicles and you can give as little or as much time as you have to assist us.”

“The service requires criminal record and medical checks to be carried out before starting to fulfil government funding obligations.”

“Volunteers receive training, uniforms and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, plus the opportunity to be part of a great team who play a very important role in our community.”

Volunteering and community involvement has been strongly linked with positive feelings and functioning.

Helping others and sharing one’s skills and time promote a sense of purpose and have been found to help increase self-worth and produce a positive emotional effect.

“Current volunteers express that they find it a rewarding experience and they enjoy being part of the team here at Community Transport,” Ms Rolfe said.

“If you have never thought of volunteering your time, maybe now is the time as there are many community organisations like ours that really need more volunteers and could use your area of expertise right now.”

To find out more, visit the office at the Marie McCormick Community Centre at 133 Main Street, Young or phone 6382 1518.

Young Community Transport held a special thank you morning tea for volunteers yesterday and will do so again today, May 18 from 10 am to 11:30 am and invite volunteers and those interested in volunteering to drop in for a cuppa and a chat.

• Topics:

• Community Groups
• Transportation
• Volunteering