Unison in Medicine Hat has a very special program called Veiner Vintage Transport, and we will be celebrating our second birthday this summer. Veiner Vintage Transport is a volunteer-based service for eligible riders who need transportation services due to income restrictions, who do not drive, and are 50+. This service transports clients to priority appointments such as the doctor, dentist, optometry, physio, hospital, bank, lawyers, and down to the Unison Veiner and Strathcona Centres.
Veiner Vintage Transport supports our community’s older adults to live longer in their own homes, reduce feelings of isolation and help remove barriers to services they need access to. It’s not a free service, but we work hard to keep costs low. If your income is $25,000/year or less, a round-trip ride is $5.00. If your income is over $25,000/year, a round-trip ride is $10.00. Drivers will pick you up in front of your home, take you to your appointment, and get you back home safe and sound.
In two short years, 25 volunteer drivers have served 135 clients. Our team engages in 22-30 rides per week, and the demand is increasing. Sometimes, we have fewer volunteers available, and we know it calls on our clients’ patience. We hear you! We’re always working to make things better.
Our team is working hard to expand the areas we service, reaching more people in and around Medicine Hat, and advocating for community connections with partnering organizations. We are constantly recruiting volunteers, presenting our program in town so that more people are aware that Veiner Vintage Transport is here for them.
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Veiner Vintage Transport isn’t just about getting people from point A to point B. It’s about building connections, fostering independence, and strengthening our community. By providing reliable and affordable transportation, we are helping seniors maintain their health, well-being, and quality of life.
One client told us, “Your drivers are so kind and patient. Even when my appointment took longer than expected, the driver was just so good about it.” Another client let us know that “The Vintage drivers are angels on earth. They all have halos shining away.”
Part of the benefit of Veiner Vintage Transport is the social interaction between drivers and clients. Many become friends after several rides. Some clients become comfortable with a driver and will ask for them specifically when reserving transport, and requests are accommodated as often as possible.
Sometimes, we get it wrong. Mistaken addresses, bad weather, and other hazards and life circumstances can cause delays. Thankfully, these seem to be exceptions. The success of Veiner Vintage Transport is entirely due to the unwavering dedication and kindness of our volunteer drivers, which inspires the entire Unison Veiner team! We appreciate the difference each driver makes in our community.
If you want to join our team, please call 403-529-8384, or email hellomedhat@unisonalberta.com. The perks of helping include a 50% discount on Unison Veiner Centre memberships, gas mileage reimbursed at .20/km, volunteer appreciation events, and knowing you have made a difference in your community
