A Shuswap volunteer organization is earning accolades for the services it provides.
South Shuswap Rides is a group of volunteers who formed the society in 2020 to provide assistance to people who would otherwise not be able to attend medical appointments or get groceries.
South Shuswap Rides provides door-to-door transportation to all residents in Electoral Areas C and G of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD). Destinations include local and Salmon Arm for all needs and Vernon, Kelowna and Kamloops for medical appointments.
In 2024, volunteers delivered 487 rides totalling 46,722 kilometres, a 62 per cent increase over 2023. Two volunteer driver safety training schools were attended by four volunteers, which resulted in eight new drivers being trained and put into service. As well, two new volunteers were recruited and trained as dispatchers.
Drivers undergo driving and criminal record checks and safety training.
A total of 18 drivers received additional training on use of the Tesla, while the second car, a Chevy Bolt is five years old and has accumulated 150,000 kilometres.
CSRD directors were advised the Bolt is somewhat small, does not have four-wheel drive and will not accommodate wheelchairs, a large amount of groceries or three passengers.
The use of electric vehicles minimizes costs and the organization is planning to acquire a new, larger EV with all-whee-drive which will address the shortcomings of the Bolt.
South Shuswap Rides president Paul Demenok said patrons are asked to support local businesses whenever possible and made it quite clear that rides are not provided for daily work commuting, trips to the airport or after-hours safe rides home.
The group's website has been upgraded to allow riders to make online requests for rides, but requests can also be made by calling 250-463-4341 – 48 hours or more in advance. Rides are available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on week days.
The dispatcher matches a driver with a patron and both sign a terms of service document regarding the service and expected behaviours. Transportation is free but donations are gratefully accepted.
The presentation to the CSRD board in April ended with a thank you to the regional district’s grant-in-id program, Community Works Funds and other organizations whose financial support make the program possible.
For more information or to book a ride, go online to www.southshuswaprides.ca.
