The Squamish Hilltop House Support Society is looking for volunteer Class 4 drivers for a brand-new bus the society has purchased.
The volunteer driver will take Hilltop House residents out on excursions to the local farmers market, the casino, Walmart or general scenic trips.
The society currently owns an older van that is able to transport three wheel-chair-bound residents. The new bus is a made-to-order 10-passenger bus that has six wheel-chair spots.
It is expected to arrive soon, and the society hopes to increase the number and the variety of trips the residents take.
“We are looking for a driver who has an unrestricted Class 4 licence and can give as much time as possible,” says Karyn Smith, the executive-director of the society.
Smith says it’s difficult for wheel-chair bound residents to go out on their own, and yet it is something normal.
“It’s normal to go out and meet your friends in town. Life doesn’t end just because you have come to a facility,” Smith says.
There is no particular time or specific days when the driver would be needed, she adds.
“We are looking for volunteer drivers who can contribute, even once a month, to enhance the lives of the residents and enjoy a rewarding experience,” Smith said.
A staff member or a volunteer will accompany the volunteer driver on the trips.
In fact, the Hilltop House Support Society came to be formed because of the need for a wheel-chair-accessible bus. It was in 1992 that a small group of volunteers came together to form the society with an aim to purchase a van that would allow long-term care residents to be part of the community and run errands in town.
Smith says she would also like to thank those who donated for the new bus.
Those who made the new bus possible with their generous donations are: Squamish Hospital Foundation ($60,000), Squamish General Hospital Women’s Auxiliary ($10,000), Whistler Blackcomb Foundation ($10,000), 100 Women Who Care Squamish ($10,000), Queens Way Industrial Lands Inc. ($5,000), Donald Carson ($2,500), Royal Canadian Legion ($2,000), Pat Marini ($2,000), Atlantic Power Corporation($500), St John The Devine Anglican Church ($393), Roy Shephard ($100), Marianne Wilson ($100) and Rilla Buckley ($100).
If you have an unrestricted Class 4 licence and would like to volunteer, please contact the Hilltop House Activities Department at 604-892-9337, extension 5, or email HilltopHouse.Activities@vch.ca.
You can also call Karyn Smith at 604-898-4101.
