Volunteer to be a driver for Redmond Seniors
When Audrey lived in Kyoto for a year, she was a very
particular shopper. Storekeepers
listened patiently as she used great detail to describe the precise item she
sought-- stipulating its size, colors, shape, and design. But Audrey really wasn’t picky, and her true
purpose was not to purchase something specific.
Audrey shopped to learn. She
used these daily excursions to practice her Japanese vocabulary and become more
fully immersed in the culture that surrounded her.
Japan is just one of the diverse locations that Audrey has
called home. She has also lived in New
York, Germany, Taiwan, and Kansas. She
has a strong sense of adventure; she loves learning; and she has a deep
appreciation for the arts. She lives
fully, no matter where she resides.
Audrey moved to Redmond three years ago. She sorted through the countless things that
filled the home she’d shared with her late husband, donated her beloved piano
to a local nonprofit organization, packed up all of the meaningful artwork
she’d collected over the years, and left Kansas behind. She was eager to see her grandchildren more
often; she was ready to open up a new chapter of her life in Western
Washington.
Audrey attempted to adjust and adapt to her new environment—as
she had always done. But it wasn’t so
easy this time. The process of
downsizing and relocating after the loss of her husband was much more difficult
than she’d imagined. She explains, “It
was very, very traumatic. Frankly, I
just wasn’t myself for the first two years.”
Audrey discovered Volunteer Transportation as she
transitioned to her new life in Redmond.
She was afraid to drive longer distances, and her dentist’s office
informed her that the program’s volunteer drivers could take her to her
appointments in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. She was delighted.
The volunteer drivers have been very welcoming and kind to
Audrey. She enjoys their conversations
during rides, and she doesn’t know what she’d do without the program. She makes an effort to tell each and every volunteer
how much she appreciates their help. Audrey
says, “I tell them how important their volunteer work is—that it’s a wonderful
contribution to our community.” She
adds, “It’s a great service, and it’s much, much needed.”
Audrey, who is now 82, credits Volunteer Transportation for
helping her to feel more at home in the Pacific Northwest. Starting anew was not easy, and it took some
time to get her bearings straight. But
Audrey is her determined, creative, and curious self once again.
**You can help more local seniors like Audrey get “on the
road” to improved health and peace of mind! Volunteer drivers are needed
throughout King County. If you have a reliable vehicle,
clean driving record, and some weekday availability, this is the role for you. Call (206) 748-7588, email Hilary
at hilaryc@seniorservices.org,
or visit www.seniorservices.org/transportation
to find out more. Discover why rides
change lives!
