Time Commitment:
Long-Term (6+ months)
Deadline to Apply:
Friday, October 6, 2023
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The Volunteer Driver Program is one of the longest established volunteer services at our agency. It aims at providing consistent volunteer transportation for children, youth and, from time to time, their families both within and outside of the London and Middlesex area. Please note the following overview of requirements and responsibilities for all volunteer drivers.
- One year volunteer commitment minimally.
- Have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle. Must have a minimum of $1,000,000 Public Liability Insurance.
- Have a mobile phone.
- Willingness to transport all ages – infants, children, youth and adults
- Physical ability to lift car seats. We provide the required car and booster seats and training.
- Proof of dose two COVID-19 vaccination.
- Trained and approved drivers provide their availability to suit their schedule with assignments distributed weekly. A combination of shorter and longer distance drives and passengers’ ages are assigned to each driver.
- Reimbursement for kilometres driven based on an agency calculation is provided to drivers monthly. Reimbursements are not considered income.
- For those who speak English as a second language, they must have achieved a Benchmark Level 6 in speaking, reading and listening as determined by the Canadian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
- A Vulnerable Sector Screening Police Check is required. Approved volunteers are reimbursed the fee.
Required Qualifications/Training:
A general knowledge of the Agency and its mandate. Knowledge of child development/behaviour management would be an asset. Demonstrated ability to develop a good rapport with children and youth.
Skills Preferred:
An acceptance of children who may exhibit emotional or behavioural difficulties. A patient, friendly, positive, accepting attitude is encouraged on the part of the volunteer. Non-judgmental. Dependable. Good time management.
Additional Opportunity Information:
TESTIMONIAL:
"With semi-retirement around the corner I found myself considering opportunities to volunteer in the community. During my career I had done some work with families so decided to take a closer look at the London and Middlesex Children's Aid Society. With a variety of roles to choose from I selected the volunteer driver position. During the interview process the Agency did a great job of describing the position and expectations. Since I enjoyed driving and working with children/adults it seemed to be just the right fit. So I signed up!
It didn't take long at all for me to realize that I had indeed made a good decision. Providing these supports to children and families was rewarding well beyond my initial expectations. And with the Volunteer Services staff being so supportive, understanding and accommodating; I really couldn't have asked for anything more by way of a meaningful volunteer opportunity.
If you are thinking about becoming a volunteer in your local community, please give serious consideration to the Children's Aid Society. I can guarantee you will get back much more more than you put in by way of just feeling good about providing support to their clients.
I have retired from the volunteer role because of other family commitments. But down the road should things change I will definitely be offering my services again."