Volunteers get residents from A to B

• Published date: 01 December 2022

The service enables those without a vehicle, in a town with scarce public transportation, to travel to medical appointments and other necessities

In Alexandra and Clyde, 15 volunteer drivers cheerfully provide transport to residents who access the service through the Alexandra Community Advice Network (Acan).

Residents often comment that they would not have been able to make the trip without the service.

Clients who use the service on a regular, weekly basis are likely to have the same driver frequently, allowing friendships to develop.

The sense of fulfillment volunteers experience meeting this community need comes with no strings attached, not even making an ongoing time commitment.

Each client request is emailed to all volunteers and whoever is available picks up the job.

Drivers can self-select based on their schedule and whether their vehicle can accommodate a walking frame or, on rare occasions, a wheelchair.

Mr Quinn was keen to bring more volunteer drivers on board to ensure the service could keep going, even as current drivers move away or drop off.

New applicants undergo a police check before starting as volunteer drivers.

He retired from managing the Clyde Dam after a life working in the electricity industry.

He and his wife have lived in Alexander for more than 20 years and enjoy the many bike trails, most recently on their...