Volunteers are the backbone of our rural community. More than that, they are the heart and soul of rural Albert County. Just think for a moment of how life would be without volunteers. I know our community calendar would be empty. So many of the fun and worthwhile events in rural Albert County – dinners, fairs, celebrations, concerts, breakfasts, farmers markets, craft shows and much more – couldn’t happen without the hard work and energy of volunteers.
At schools, volunteers help prepare meals with students, teach children how to garden, cook healthy food with the students, and help students learn to read. In the nursing home, volunteers provide much-needed social contact for residents and help with activities. Volunteers stack and distribute food at the food bank. The history of Albert County is maintained and shared by volunteers. Most of the organizations that help improve Albert County are run by volunteer board of directors, including Tele-Drive.
In mid-October, I was fortunate enough to attend the 3rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch for Tele-Drive. The coordinator, Kim Beers, invited me so I could meet the drivers. While eating a great meal prepared by the board of directors, I asked the drivers why they volunteered to take people they didn’t know to places such as the doctor’s office, hospital, grocery store, hairdresser and food bank.
“It makes you feel so good,” said Lynn Beals. The point was echoed by everyone else at the table.
“And, you meet very nice people you might not meet in your own circles,” added Phyllis Sanford.
“Meeting some of the seniors gives you a lift,” said Lynn. “Some of them are so much fun.”
“Tele-Drive provides a valuable contribution to the community,” explained Kirsten Shortt, a driver and the current president of Tele-Drive.
The key message was that volunteering is worthwhile; volunteering feels good and can be fun.
Tele-Drive recognizes the support of their volunteers by having an annual lunch and providing gifts supplied by local businesses. It made me realize we should all recognize, appreciate and thank the many volunteers who make our community a wonderful place to live.
Tele-Drive is still looking for volunteer drivers, particularly from the Hillsborough area. Volunteers need a basic driver’s license and insurance. The volunteers will be called at least 48 hours before a ride is needed and asked if they would like to do it. If so, they pick up the client at the person’s house, take the person to their destination. Volunteers may wait with the person, or do errands on their own before taking the person back home. Drivers are reimbursed for $0.35/km but some decline to accept the funds.
Businesses that contributed gifts to Tele-Drive:
Albert County Drug Store,
Albert County Muffler,
Alma Boathouse Restaurant,
Alter Girl Collections,
Apple Blossom,
Baymount Outdoor Adventures,
Brian Townsend Photography,
Broadleaf Guest Ranch,
Buttercup Cake & Cookies,
Cinnamon Soul Café,
Collins Lobster Shop,
Creative Imagery (Kevin Snair),
Curves Riverview,
Darren Phillips Auto Repair,
Frank Steeves Repair Shop,
Gray’s Landing,
Harborview Market,
Hillsborough FreshMart,
Hillsborough-Fords Pharmacy,
Homestead Restaurant,
Hopewell Rocks,
Janet Wallace Writing & Photography,
Octopus Garden Café ,
Old Time Meat Market,
Point Park Tire & Auto,
Rainbow Seeds,
Snider’s Garage,
Terry’s Bakeshop,
Tidewater Physio,
Victoriana Homestead,
Waterside Winery,
Wendy Johnston Pottery
Article written by Janet Wallace
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