VON to launch transportation program

VON also planning pig roast for July 29 behind Rudder’s

The VON is looking to establish a transportation service for the Yarmouth/Yarmouth County area – billed as a “friendly companion” program – and it hopes to have it going by late August or early September.

People who are frail or have a physical impairment affecting their ability to perform regular activities may qualify for the program. If they do qualify, a volunteer companion will transport and accompany them to pre-planned, non-emergency outings such as banking, grocery shopping, attending medical appointments, going to the drugstore and the like.

The plan is to offer the service Tuesdays through Fridays (no service on evenings or weekends). The service would rely on volunteers.

The VON offered this program a few years ago, but it was discontinued because of funding issues. It was quite popular back then and the VON is glad to be able to offer it again, says Sandra Hubbard-LeBlanc, co-ordinator of community support and volunteer services with VON Tri-County.

“We see caregivers who are falling in the ‘sandwich generation,’ who have young families, who work part or full-time and who are also providing care for their parent( s),” Hubbard- LeBlanc said. “These caregivers are eager to have assistance to see that their loved ones can go to their appointments and they (the caregivers) don’t have to reschedule their day.”

More than just transporting people – dropping them off and then picking them up again – the idea of this program is to assist people. Clients who are wheelchair-dependent, however, must be able to self-transfer into and out of the vehicle.

There will be a fee for the service, depending on the distance travelled, and referrals are required. The local VON office can provide more information regarding fees and referrals.

Hubbard-LeBlanc says a few volunteers have contacted her and are being trained for the program.

“We also have a few of the volunteers from our previous program who have signed up once again,” she said. “They’re eager to get started. Our volunteers are our lifeblood in many ways and we couldn’t have the program

“We see caregivers who are falling in the ‘sandwich generation,’ who have young families, who work part or full-time and who are also providing care for their parent(s). These caregivers are eager to have assistance to see that their loved ones can go to their appointments and they (the caregivers) don’t have to reschedule their day.”

- Sandra Hubbard-LeBlanc

without them. Should anyone be interested in becoming a VON volunteer for this program, they should contact me at 902-742- 4512, ext. 234, to discuss how to proceed.”

Meanwhile, the VON is introducing a new event this summer: a pig roast, to be held Sunday, July 29, in the tent behind Rudder’s on Water Street.

It is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. and the cost is $15, including potato salad and roll. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. People will be able to eat onsite or get a takeout. Tickets will be sold at the event (cash only).

Proceeds from VON fundraisers such as this one benefit the organization’s community support programs, including the adult day program, caregiver support, educational events on Alzheimer’s and/or caregiving and the new transportation program that’s in the works.