The cupboards are once again bare and drivers are few and far in-between.
The Contact Community Assistance Society is a non-profit society operating a transportation service and medical equipment loan cupboard out of the Sooke Community Hall.
People come to the society when they need temporary medical supplies or rides to doctors and hospital appointments. But what happens often is that the equipment, when no longer needed, is often forgotten or misplaced. The items have been given out for a nominal fee to help people while in transition to purchasing their own medical assist equipment. The equipment is not meant to be kept. Often called for items include tub transfer benches, wheel chairs, and walking aids.
The other side of the operation is the volunteer drivers who take people to appointments. They don’t have enough of them — drivers that is. The society operates in the area between Kemp Lake to Connie Road and they take people to appointments throughout Victoria and the Westshore area.
If you can spare a few hours each week and have a clean driving record and would like to help, the society would be most thankful. For mind’s ease, there may be a criminal record check involved as well.
The volunteer drivers work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and they have a suggested nominal donation which reimburses the driver for their gas.
“We need more drivers,” said society member Jan Watson.
“Just call us at 250-389-4061 and leave your name and number and we will contact you.”
The society operates on donations from groups like the Legion and from generous individuals. The Sooke Community Association allows them use of the space in the basement of the community hall. They receive no government funding for either the equipment or the workers and rely on the generosity of the community. The society pays the drivers for their gas. This might be suitable for someone who is recently retired and wants something to do a few hours a week.
For more information or to volunteer call the Contact Loan Cupboard at 250-389-4607.
Need a ride or care to give a ride, call 250-389-4661.