BY GAIL NEUMANN & PAUL ROBERTS
For Salt Spring Seniors Services Society
Salt Spring Seniors Services Society is saving the day for many island seniors by supplying volunteer drivers for those who are otherwise unable to get to medical appointments.
The society has been providing free rides for members for more than 30 years, and membership is not expensive at $10 per year.
In the past, this service was funded from general revenue, a combination of membership fees and donations. But now, the society has been awarded a contract by Island Health (IH), through which IH provides compensation for trips to and from qualifying facilities. What this means for our passengers is that, for some trips, they no longer need the Travel Assistance Program (TAP) form from their doctor to pay for their ferry fare.
Our drivers are busy! Time is of the essence to book a ride. As soon as you’ve made your medical appointment, call 1-844-940-6617, Island Health’s 24/7 booking line. They will connect you with our program. A minimum of two days is necessary to ensure a volunteer driver is available.
Transportation is available for any appointments defined as medical on the Canadian income tax form, so we cover dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc. These free rides are available for on-island destinations as well as to Victoria, Duncan, Sidney and Nanaimo.
Our volunteer drivers are given the option to be reimbursed for their expenses quarterly, determined by the Canada Revenue Agency rules for limits on tax-free compensation, or to receive an annual charitable donation receipt for some or all of the annual amount. Our drivers and dispatchers are friendly and helpful and do their best to make the experience pleasant. We are thankful for their generosity.
More drivers are welcome to apply to volunteer in our program. We need cheerful, responsible drivers with clean, sound vehicles. If you would like to enquire about joining our team, call the driver’s desk at 250-537-4635 to begin the screening process.