News

VON’s Transportation program helps seniors and adults with disabilities to live independently, while staying safe and socially connected. And the benefits extend beyond clients—availability of appropriate transportation eases the burden on family caregivers, offering much-needed respite and helping families avoid burnout.

At VON’s Waterloo Wellington Dufferin (WWD) site, a recent client satisfaction survey found that many clients are grateful for the Transportation program, relying on the team to get them to important medical appointments, beneficial Adult Day Programs and social events.

The program harnesses the support of volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles, as well as paid drivers and a small fleet of accessible vans. With these resources, VON WWD was able to provide 22,000 rides last year, supporting 916 clients. Thirty-five volunteers travelled over 270,000 kilometres in service of others in their communities. 

The site serves both rural areas, where public transit options may not be available or accessible for many people, and urban areas where some clients are unable to navigate public transit, and need door-to-door assistance to ensure they arrive safely.

At least 50 percent of the transportation VON WWD provides is to and from Adult Day Programs (ADPs), both VON’s ADP and those of other community providers. “Many clients would not be able to attend an ADP without the support of the Transportation program,” said Kelly Ellis, Manager, Home and Community Care. “Clients attending ADPs increasingly have moderate to severe cognitive impairment and require an escort from door-to-door to ensure they get into the program safely.”

One spouse of a client noted, “My husband goes to a day program three times a week and it’s been very good for him—transportation there has been wonderful and less stressful.”

Kelly added, “VON Transportation provides reliable, friendly, safe and accessible rides to and from ADPs, where clients can enjoy a day full of stimulation and socialization, and caregivers get essential respite.”

The Transportation program in the area also supports the majority of drives provided through the local Let’s Go Home (LEGHO) program, which assists seniors and adults with physical disabilities who are going from hospital to home.

While base funding for VON WWD’s Transportation program is provided by Ontario Health, United Way Guelph, Wellington, Dufferin helps to subsidize costs for eligible residents, and donations from community members and partners are welcome to help more people access the program. 

More feedback from clients and their families:

“VON Transportation is vital to my ability to live by myself independently. I don't have the option of calling on family members every time I need a ride. Thankfully I can count on VON to take me where I want to go, safely and with kindness.”

“VON and its volunteers were a lifesaver to me this past summer, making all the appointments regarding surgeries and follow-up appointments less stressful.”

“I, the caregiver, have burnout and it’s difficult to get mom into my car—she is safer and I am less stressed.”

“The drivers are so polite, helpful and friendly. The coordinators are always trying to work out the best service for me. I am so thankful for this service and the wonderful people who run it!”

Strategic Plan 2025-30: Innovate

The first pillar in VON’s 2025-30 strategic plan is Innovate: Grow innovative health and wellness solutions for clients and caregivers in the community.

Many VON clients use multiple services at the same site or within their communities, and we have a goal to further help them understand what other services are available to them, and to build on the services that they most need to live in their own homes safely and independently. 

In practice, this means offering clients, where possible, a combination of Community Support Services (CSS) like Transportation, Adult Day Programs and Meals on Wheels, plus home care and/or in-clinic care (such as foot or wound care), as needed.

We also aim to further enhance our relationships with hospitals, primary care providers and other community organizations to develop shared solutions to keep people healthy at home.

Visit von.ca/strategic-plan for an interactive visual representation of the new strategic plan.

Learn more:

To find out if VON Transportation services are available in your area, visit: von.ca/von-care/transportation

Help us to bring more services to those who need them: von.ca/donate-von