Community members are being asked to support the Golden Agers Society’s Volunteer Driving Program with donations to help keep it running amid the ongoing transit strike. With local transit services affected, the Golden Agers didn’t just step up — they drove up to assist community members, offering rides to crucial appointments.
The initiative began in 2023 when, at one of their board meetings, it was decided the Golden Agers could make a difference by providing rides for those who were unable to access public transportation due to the strike. The Society reached out to the Duncan Dabbers, a group that raises funds for other community organizations. With their support, the Golden Agers applied for a grant to fund the volunteer program. Their first grant of $7,700 was approved in December 2023.
“That was our first trip out,” said organizer Sue Elford. “We had people come in who couldn’t drive anymore and would ask if there was anyone who could take them to their appointments.”
Initially, the program started with one driver from Youbou, who offered rides out of the goodness of her heart. She helped two sick members, one of whom had numerous appointments in Duncan and Victoria, while the other required frequent hospital visits in Nanaimo. The Golden Agers were unaware that Island Health also offered a similar service to Nanaimo and Victoria.
The first grant helped keep the volunteer program moving through the first few months, but by July 2024, demand had increased, and the Golden Agers applied for another grant. This second grant of $7,000 allowed them to expand from one driver to five.
“We had a lot of people going back and forth to appointments in Duncan,” said Elford. “Once the buses went on strike, there was more demand.”
All volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and are given a small stipend to cover fuel costs. However, with funds now running low, the stipend has been reduced by 25 per cent. Drivers also share rides when possible and are responsible for contacting each person they will be driving the day before.
“They usually call a day ahead of time, but if it’s someone who lives with dementia, they may call them the morning before just to remind them,” said Elford.
In addition to the transportation services, the Golden Agers also provide ‘Life Kits,’ a program already in place with the Strathcona CVRD. The kits help people keep track of important medical information, medications, and emergency contacts. These documents are stored in a fridge or drawer, and each kit is equipped with a magnet for easy access in emergencies.
“We hope that everyone will have one of these Life Kits in their home,” said Elford.
By June 2024, the program was running low on funds, with only 60 cents left in the account. The Golden Agers applied for a third grant and received $4,000 in July. Volunteer drivers now complete nearly 20 trips per month, and the cost of fuel for a round-trip from Lake Cowichan to Duncan averages about $65.
The program now has about $3,200 in the account, not including a generous $1,000 donation from The Kinettes. While Elford feels that a budget of $7,000–$8,000 would suffice for now, the program will need significantly more funds to continue beyond the next couple of months.
“We will continue with this service whether the buses come back or not because there are those who can’t afford to ride the bus,” said Elford. “We hope that we can meet the need of the people in the area. All our drivers are very good with people, and we have received several glowing reports about them. They are all so willing and just happy with the satisfaction that they are helping people.”
Currently, the Golden Agers are in need of a reliable driver, particularly from the Honeymoon Bay area.
Those interested in helping out with this important community service are encouraged to stop by the Lake Cowichan 50+ Activity Centre or reach out to Cheryl, Guy, or Sue at 250-749-6121. Donations to the driving program can be made at the Activity Centre or mailed to PO Box 1291, Lake Cowichan.
