Lead Partner: Le Transport de Clare
Description
This is a story of the evolution of an alternative transport system to meet the needs of our community, as defined by the determinants of health. As our Coordinator says, health promotion and prevention of illness is furthered more by a friendly visit or a trip to a social function, workshop or recreational pursuit than by a trip to the hospital.
What’s more, this service saves mega bucks in health care delivery costs by removing the necessity for ambulance runs for non-emergency medical trips, such as dialysis or lab tests. Their slogan is “Driven by Volunteers, Run by Donations.”
The project is based in Southwest Nova Scotia, in the culturally-distinct, Acadian region known as Clare, along the Baie St. Marie. This is a ver rural area where access to transportation--and, more importantly, access to all the services and advantages that transportation provides-- is limited for those who are elderly, disabled or financially challenged.
Le Transport de Clare is owned by the people of Clare and operated by C.O.R.D. (Clare Organization Representing Persons With Disabilities), dedicated to assisting all members of the community of Clare who experience challenges around transportation accessibility - for whatever reason.
Le Transport de Clare clients include seniors, persons with disabilities, the economically disadvantaged and persons with limited use of or access to a motor vehicle.
Le Transport de Clare arranges the most effective means of assisting clients in reaching their destination. Every effort will be made to consider individual needs while maintaining efficiency of service.
Le Transport de Clare is mostly run by volunteers, and depends on donations and community support for its long-term sustainability. We believe that transportation accessibility impacts on the wellness of our community by enabling residents to enjoy the benefits of social, educational, employment, and recreational opportunities, as well as medical services. We gratefully acknowledge the work of the caring volunteers who keep Le Transport on the road and running smoothly.
What advice would you offer other people starting out?
Relationship-building is key. We use existing grassroots relationships and build new ones so that there is more and more community buy-in to Le Transport de Clare. The more people we informally talk with about our work, the more they will try to help us and support us, and the more they will tell other people about us. This comes with time, and can’t be forced.
Resources:
An in-depth interview with one of the founders of Upatree will soon be available on this site.
“Le Transport de Clare is owned by the people of Clare”