At the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, we are supported by volunteers who assist us in continuing and strengthening our service to children, youth, and families in our communities. One of these essential volunteer roles is that of a Volunteer Driver through our Children’s Transportation Centre (CTC). These volunteers play an integral role in ensuring children and youth, from infants to teens, are safely supported to and from family visits, foster care homes and residences, appointments, and more.
We turn to them to provide not just transportation but consistency, kindness, and a sense of stability during times of transition.
In time with Volunteer Appreciation Week, we had a chance to connect with Fiona, one of our Volunteer Drivers, who shared what drove her to the role and why she’s inspiring others to do the same.
Looking to join her? Learn more about the position here: https://www.torontocas.ca/volunteer/
When did you become a CTC Driver?
I started driving with CTC in December 2024. I had seen a request for Volunteer Drivers with Children’s Aid Society on the Volunteer Toronto website and was curious/interested. After reaching out, I completed an interview and provided requisite information to check references, driving history, vehicle fitness, etc. Following an orientation and car seat training session, I offered my availability the following week.
What drew you to the volunteer opportunity?
A few things:
- I early-retired in 2023, with one of my retirement goals being to volunteer time regularly in the community…something I hadn’t been able to do much of when working full-time.
- I love driving – always have! If I hadn’t gone into Nursing I think I’d have been looking for work that required driving. As a youth I loved watching TTC bus drivers (who I thought had the best job out there!)
- I started doing some volunteer driving with the Canadian Cancer Society (Wheels of Hope) in 2023, and thoroughly enjoy it. I was a Nursing Supervisor at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, and saw first-hand the need for drivers in the cancer community. So adding to my time driving with another population, who have transit needs, absolutely interested me.
- Children’s Aid Society is a special place for me, as I adopted my daughter with Children’s Aid Society of Toronto at 5 months of age, in 2002. I’ve never forgotten how superb my time with them was during that process.
What do you enjoy most about taking on this role?
As someone who loves kids, I enjoy seeing the children.
If they are comfortable and feel safe during the ride, this is rewarding.
I’ve particularly enjoyed finding a successful ambience for transport, .e.g. white noise sounds for babies….Raffi or Disney songs for preschoolers…singing songs from Frozen with a little girl was a memorable and fun ride!
Why do you think this position is important in supporting the connections and success of children, youth and families?
Before doing this role I hadn’t given much thought to the tremendous coordination and effort that goes into having children in care maintain/improve connection with their families.
Can you imagine if the caregiving family needed to provide all transport….it would undoubtedly limit their capacity as caregivers. Or if the workers were transporting children, which would likewise limit their capacity to fulfill their role. This transport eases some of the burden. Easing burden, whenever and wherever you can, is vital if we aim to lift up those in need. We all benefit if our children and their families are as healthy as they can be.
What would you say to others considering taking on the volunteer opportunity?
If you enjoy children, and driving, there is a good chance you will enjoy this role – go for it!
There is a wee bit of a learning curve with child/infant car seats – I practiced a few times at home buckling a stuffed animal into the child seat – not to worry, you will quickly become proficient
It has been so rewarding to contribute to the future of children/families who need our help.
