A dozen local volunteers were recognized for getting seniors in the community where they need to go, May 31 at city hall.
The Alberta Motors Association (AMA) Driving Angels program recognizes drivers and organizations in the community who provide rides to seniors and help make a difference in the quality of life and well being of seniors.
“We are recognizing the individuals dedicated to helping the seniors in the community,” said Caroline Gee, program coordinator with AMA.
“We support the community efforts to recognize and address mobility needs of seniors in Alberta.”
According to Gee, a recent study showed that women outlive their driving career by 10 years, while men outlive their driving careers by six years.
About five per cent of Airdrie’s population is seniors and that number is expected to double in the next few years as baby boomers age.
As Alberta’s population ages, seniors need access to reliable, accessible and affordable transportation options, Gee added.
Jennifer Ingram has been driving residents of all ages in need for years.
“It’s a great experience and you get great rewards from it,” she said.
“You get more out of it than the seniors because they are so appreciative of what you are doing, that makes it worth while.”
Ingram has been driving Patricia Yates to appointments, shopping and to visit friends for more than five years.
“I can’t take the bus or cabs because of my asthma, you never know when people will be wearing perfume and that will cause me to have an attack,” she said.
“Jennifer is amazing. She is going from morning until night driving people around and she always has a smile on her face. I don’t know what I would do without her. She is always there and more of a friend than anything else. Angel is not a good enough word to describe her.”
Gee said providing mobility for seniors allows them to keep their independence, become more involved in their community and have fewer health problems.
“Without us, some of them wouldn’t be able to get to their appointments and that can be detrimental to their health,” said Marie Greaves, volunteer driver.
“It has benefits on both ends because it gets you out of the house too.”
Brenda King started volunteering to drive seniors as “pay back.”
“I was a home care nurse and we used to use drivers all the time so it is my turn to give back,” she said.
“The stories they tell are amazing, it is just like being with an old friend. There is a real gap in service here and we are here to fill that gap.”
She said although there are buses that can take seniors around Airdrie and into Calgary, the elderly are often unable to stand or sit for long periods of time to wait for the bus or it doesn’t take them directly to their destination.
“Volunteering is a great thing,” said Alderman Ron Chapman, who was on hand to pass out the recognition certificates.
“This community is built around volunteering and I want to thank you all for what you do.”
A Driving Angel can be a volunteer such as a neighbour, friend or family member who takes seniors to medical appointments, essential services or social or recreational activities.
This program also recognizes excellent customer service to seniors by other transportation providers including taxi or bus drivers and other driving services.
If you are interested in becoming a Driving Angel or are in need of its services, call Sue Der Stephanian at Community Links at 403-945-3900.
