At a time when many charities struggle with the demands to meet the needs in their communities, there are still volunteers who continue to lend the extra hand.
Such is the case at Community Reach North Simcoe with executive director Cindy Hastings recognizing that “we couldn’t do it without them.”
Sharon Chin is one of the nine volunteer drivers making a difference.
“She always has her hand up,” says Hastings.
For the past five years, Chin has found pleasure being part of the volunteer team at Community Reach. She can even be found decorating the van and walking in town parades for Christmas or Canada Day.
“It’s a great organization with wonderful people,” says Chin, who adds that she is proud of the service being “one hundred per cent reliable” and how much appreciation is returned to her.
Given that Chin used to run a daycare service, she jokes that she always knew she would one day work with seniors as well.
One program Chin is involved with called Transportation Linking Communities (TLC) provides a vital service for clients who are primarily seniors.
In 2024, 44 per cent of riders using the TLC program were over 80 years old. The Midland Accessible Transit program even included some clients over 100.
“The good news story is that they’re still getting out and to their appointments and activities, which helps with quality of life,” says Hastings.
Last year, Chin was a driver for the Balm Beach shuttle, a pilot program of Midland council designed to help people enjoy the Tiny beach without having to worry about the many parking restrictions found there. She says she hopes that it returns since it made possible a day trip for families, up to five people at a time, who would not have otherwise done so.
“Meeting all kinds of people and hearing their stories,” is what Chin says motivates her.
“We’re very lucky, we have some great volunteers,” says Hastings, who explains that the City Rides program can be a lot to ask of a volunteer. Drivers provide trips for clients, as far as Hamilton or Toronto, wait during appointments and then shuttle them back home.
With 2025 underway and the 2024 statistics revealed, Hastings has a couple items on her radar.
The Companion Program is one of them, which started years ago, but was phased out due to COVID-19 restrictions and fewer volunteers returning to Community Reach. Through the program, either a driver would take on the extra task or a different volunteer would help clients by going into grocery stores or appointments with them.
“They would be like a friend or family member,” says Hastings of the bond that developed.
Chin enjoys being part of these types of services, allowing her to interact with many different people. She says that assisting a person in a wheelchair or simply providing such reliable transportation for seniors can make all of the difference.
“It’s a challenge,” says Hastings about the struggle to meet demands, “we can always use more drivers.”
“Sharon goes above and beyond for our clients, making sure they safely get to their appointments,” she says.
More information about the Community Reach programs and how to become a volunteer can be found here.
