"Helping People to Help Themselves". Alexandra Community Advice Network (ACAN) provide a free, confidential referral information and advice service at Alexandra Community House. ACAN also provide a Volunteer Driver Service, Meals-on-Wheels driver coordination, free legal appointments, Justice of Peace clinics and a local community directory.
With no local taxi service ACAN has stepped up to fill a gap by coordinating a pool of volunteer drivers who help Alexandra and Clyde residents who are unable to drive or don’t have access to a vehicle.
The Volunteer Driving Service provides a valuable service to the community by helping the elderly and others get to their health appointments, the shops, bank, library, community events etc around Alexandra and Clyde. Some drivers also provide rides to Cromwell for appointments or resthome visits.
The rides are:
- pre-arranged trips Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
- organised at least 24 hours in advance (but usually a few days ahead)
- coordinated by the ACAN office
- emailed to all drivers who then choose which ride they want to do
- for a small donation so that drivers can be reimbursed for their petrol
As a Volunteer Driver you will:
- choose which rides you want to provide
- pick up and return your passenger at pre-arranged times
- assist passengers in and out of the vehicle if necessary
- offer a smile and a chat along the way
- receive a donation from the passenger which you drop into the ACAN office next time you are passing
- be reimbursed for your petrol with petrol vouchers.
Benefits of volunteering:
- know you are making a difference by helping others maintain some independence
- enjoy a chat with passengers who are very grateful for your help
- time of driving is usually quite short and you can do other things while your passenger is at their appointment etc
- you choose which rides work for you
Requirements
Volunteer drivers need to:
- be 25+ years
- have a full drivers license, a clean driving record and be a safe driver
- have their own vehicle with current WOF, registration and insurance
- be reliable, polite, friendly and comfortable chatting to others
- be respectful of passenger’s privacy
- have email access to receive driver requests
A Police background check is required for this role.
Time commitment
- As much or as little time as you have.
- Flexible - you choose which rides you can do as requests come through by email.
- Most rides take about an hour but you will have time for a walk, shopping etc while your passenger is at their appointment etc.
Getting started
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Apply for this role:
Dunedin