Going out for dinner or visiting loved ones are activities that many people take for granted but for residents of the Hilltop House long term care facility, going out is a luxury.
The Hilltop House Support Society (HHSS) is in desperate need of help as many residents are left stranded without enough available volunteer van drivers. The situation has reached critical levels with the HHSS relying on just two van drivers for daily activities.
"If one of our drivers is unable to drive on a given day, we have no one to take their place," said Judy Burns, Hilltop House activities co-ordinator. "Twice a week, we like to take residents out for lunches of dinners for a change of scenery."
At Hilltop House, life for the 60 residents is made a whole lot easier by the efforts of volunteers. The Hilltop House Society was formed in 1992 to provide transportation and other activities for residents. The HHSS purchased their first van with the help of fundraisers and corporate donations. The society has been responsible for the full operation of the vehicle ever since - which includes regular maintenance, insurance and drivers to take residents from Hilltop House into the community to attend church, plays, luncheons and special events.
"We retired out first van and now have a second van thanks to a generous donation from the North shore Credit Union. We just need drivers," said Allan Palmer, HHSS member.
The HHSS is looking for Class 4 drivers to volunteer their time for Hilltop House residents. The society is also willing to reimburse costs associated with obtaining a class four license after at least four months of service.
"We have a lot of residents in wheelchairs who can't get into a car," said Palmer. "They'd be stuck here all the time if we didn't have the van. The residents also rely on the van to get to medical appointments and other important scheduled meetings and functions.
The HHSS said no qualified van driver will be turned away and hope to create enough interest to get a fleet of volunteers on board.
"We need volunteers in other areas of the Hilltop House as well and welcome anyone to get involved," Burns said.
Volunteers are also needed to help with bingo games on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, starting at 1:15 p.m. in the afternoon. Entertainers and musicians are needed for Happy Hour, every second Monday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m.
"If anyone is interested in sharing their musical ability, we would be very interested. We also have a karaoke machine." Burns said.
For more information or to get involved at the Hilltop House contact Darlene Allen at 604-848-5102.
