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Community Care Celebrates International Volunteer Day on December 5th
December 1st, 2022

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a global celebration of volunteers. It takes place every year on December 5th to shine a light on the impact of volunteer efforts everywhere. This year, Community Care Peterborough (CCP) is celebrating the tremendous impact its volunteers have in the lives of clients and their loved ones throughout the City and County of Peterborough.

The impact made by CCP’s volunteers is huge. Each day, the efforts of over 650 volunteers make it possible for over 6,200 seniors and adults with physical challenges to receive a wide variety of programs and services which allow them to remain living in their own homes.

“My family and I are very grateful. [CCP’s volunteers] exemplify what community really is,” said a client in the County of Peterborough.

Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drop off groceries, drive clients to appointments, call and visit with them, provide well-being check-ins, and more. With volunteer support, clients are able to live independently at home and out of hospitals and long-term care facilities.

 A grateful client who receives drives through CCP’s Transportation Program recently shared,The transportation services provided are critical to my ability to lead a fairly normal life. Also, I’ve gained new friendships and have been given opportunities to expand my social connections. Transportation services have been so crucial for my psychological health, too.”

CCP’s volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, treatments, shopping, community services, and social and recreational activities. Most rides take place locally and to neighbouring communities, but transportation to medical appointments outside of the County of Peterborough can be arranged.

 

 Pictured above: Chemung Volunteer Driver Bill Sova in Nov 2022.  Bill goes the extra mile, decorating his vehicle for the holidays to bring extra joy to Community Care’s transportation clients.

CCP’s clients say that transportation services help them remain independent and connected with the community.

 “I’m 86 years old, and I don’t drive … It’s like an outing for me. The volunteers are part of my life, they’re like a lifeline,” said a client who receives drives from a volunteer.

 Darci Maude, Volunteer Development Coordinator at CCP, said it is a pleasure to work alongside the not-for-profit organization’s 650 volunteers who show so much kindness and dedication to clients.

 “I am continually amazed and impressed by all that they do, and I know that volunteer contributions have huge impacts on the lives of so many,” said Maude. “We thank our volunteers for their continued support.”

CCP has a current need for transportation volunteers to meet the growing demand for this program in our community. Volunteer drivers receive some reimbursement which is paid to them by the client to help offset the cost of gas and wear and tear on their vehicle. To learn more about volunteering with CCP, call Darci at (705) 742-7067, email: volunteer@commcareptbo.org, or please visit: www.commcareptbo.org/volunteerwithcommunitycare.