Three cheers for Community VehicleVolunteers

There’s a small team of dedicated volunteers supporting the community vehicle service helping people in Dannevirke and the surrounding area to stay mobile. With their support there is a real sense of people feeling connected to the community they live in.

The team of volunteer drivers are a common sight in either the red Ford Mondeo or blue and white Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicle providing transport for people to get to local appointments, meetings, shopping trips or even just visiting friends.

Support doesn’t just stop with transporting someone from A to B. Many of the drivers, if required, will often help by carrying groceries to a door or assisting a passenger to an appointment. In rare cases drivers have even used their own vehicles when the community vehicle wasn’t available.

It’s not just the passengers who benefit from the goodwill of volunteers. Drivers often get as much out of being associated with the community vehicle service as the passengers do from using it, so it’s a ‘win-win’ for all.

Behind the drivers is a team of committee members who volunteer their time to source funding opportunities, oversee the coordination of rosters, assess new drivers, and undertake the weekly vehicle cleaning and maintenance jobs.

“There is no doubt that without a great team of volunteers, the vehicle service simply could not operate as well as it does, so we are deeply grateful to those who support this initiative by being involved in some way,” said Chair of the Community Vehicle Trust, Terry Hynes.

Currently the service operates Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4.30pm. Bookings are taken through the Dannevirke Information Centre and those requiring the service are encouraged to ring and book in advance. This is a ‘first in first served’ basis, so booking in advance helps to ensure the vehicle is available at the time it is required.

Two vehicles are available for use, but it is the Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicle on loan to the service from Scanpower that seems to be the favourite with drivers and passengers.

The service is supported with funding from Horizons Regional Council via the Regional Public Transport Plan as well as grants and donations from local community groups and businesses.

“There are many businesses, groups and individuals within the community who have contributed to this initiative in a variety of ways and the Trust would like to acknowledge their support and contribution”, said Chair Terry Hynes.

With National Volunteer Week running from 21st to 27th June, it is timely to acknowledge the support of all those involved.