Rotary Club of Drysdale keep program on the road

THE hardships caused by coronavirus have done little to quell the generosity of the Rotary Club of Drysdale, who recently presented a cheque for $4,000 to the Barwon Health Rotary Volunteer Patient Transport Program.

The program provides free travel for people who otherwise have no way of getting to critical medical appointments.

Executive director of the Barwon Health Foundation Zoe Waters said the money is crucial to the program’s survival.

“These funds will literally keep the cars going, paying for running costs like fuel and services.”

Rotary Club of Drysdale publicity officer Caroline Rickard said the transport program was “desperately needed”.

The club recognise this and have been supporting it for several years.

This year, the money raised from both fundraiser pre-lockdown, and a major raffle members still willingly contributed during lockdown.

Several members and former members of Rotary Club of Drysdale now volunteer as drivers for the Volunteer Patient Transport Program.

Ms Waters said the volunteers do more than transport those in need.

“Although the transport is so vitally important, it’s also the companionship that goes with it that may arguable even be a bit more important.”

The program has been temporarily postponed during the pandemic.

Ms Waters said they were monitoring the situation daily to see when they might be able to resume. In the meantime, they were offering alternate forms of support.

“Our organisation has increased telehealth support services for patients. Our key focus within our team is to provide that support to anyone who needs that extra helping hand at the moment.

“Everyone’s proud that Barwon Health has stepped up to provide that extra level of support.”

People wishing to volunteer or donate to the program can head to barwonhealthfoundation.org.au/how-you-can-help.