Volunteers' Comments

"I heard about the need for drivers on television and thought I could help.  This service, and its volunteers, are appreciated by those people who need it."    
Bob Freyman, volunteer driver (volunteer since 1991)

Requirements to be a volunteer driver
- You must have your own vehicle.  
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Able to work with a minimum of supervision
- Able to accept direction and guidance 
- Ability to read road maps 
- A reliable vehicle/valid drivers license
- A criminal record check

How much of my time will be taken?
To become a volunteer, you will have to contribute two hours a week either on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.  
Nevertheless, new volunteers are gladly welcome, whether it's on a weekly or relief basis.  If you have a few hours a day on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, access to a vehicle, and want to help in the community, then consider becoming a volunteer driver.  The more time you can volunteer, the better we can serve those people in need.

Will I get paid for gas?
Since drivers are required to use their own vehicles, an Honorarium is paid to each driver to help offset the cost of gas.  Drivers must volunteer for a period of time before they receive the honorarium.

Volunteer Rights
A Burnaby Meals on Wheels volunteer has the following rights:

- To be treated as a co-worker
- To be given a thorough orientation to the program and the agency that oversees it
- To be listened to and have their opinions respected
- To receive initial and ongoing training 
- To have mileage reimbursed

Volunteer Responsibilities
A Burnaby Meals on Wheels volunteer has the following responsibilities:

- To understand the purpose of the program they are involved in
- To be willing to learn and participate in orientation, training programs, and to continue to learn on the job
- To recognize that volunteers and staff are all members of the same team and are working towards the same goals
- To be open and welcoming to new volunteers
- To participate in the orientation and training of new volunteers as needed
- To work cooperatively with the program coordinator, and accept guidance and leadership
- To ensure the smooth continuance of the program (i.e., keeps the program coordinator informed in advance of any absences)
- To implement improvements and see that they are used to their full advantage;
- To be willing to deliver to any assigned route to any area of Burnaby

Description of Tasks
 
*Delivery Driver*

- Pick up meals from 250 Willingdon Avenue
- Deliver Hot and Frozen meals to clients on assigned routes
- Hot meals are carried in heat proof containers
- All meals are to be carried upright to eliminate spillage

Greet the client by name.  It demonstrates you have respect for him/her as an individual.
For example, saying " Hello Mrs. X! How are you today?" or " It's so nice to see you again, how are you feeling?" are friendly greetings.

Important questions to ask the clients are: "How do you like the meals?" or "Is there a problem with your meals?".  The program co-coordinator needs to know if there are any problems.  Taking this time with the client is essential to determine if their needs are being met.*
Be a good listener.  Remember clients can be lonely or unable to get around on their own.  They may need someone to listen for a few minutes.

Be cheerful and patient.  Remember that as well as delivering a much needed hot meal, you are a special kind of visitor who is checking on the well-being of the client.

Burnaby Meals on Wheels is part of a network of services that works to ensure that clients can maintain their independence and remain in their own homes.  Any concerns you have regarding a client needs to be discussed with the depot coordinator/program coordinator.  You do not need to solve the client's problems.  Advise Sue (299-5778 ext. 23) and she will refer it to the appropriate agency.

Interested in volunteering?
 
If you would like to volunteer or you need any extra information of being a volunteer, please do not hesitate to contact at (604) 299-5778 ext.23.

Volunteers are our greatest Asset
Thanks A Million!
We couldn't do it without you!