Letter of Gratitude for the Transportation Services Program

My mother Elizabeth, who lives in Sarnia, receives regular rides from the transportation unit of the Canadian Red Cross. She has appreciated the kindness, detailed service and personal care the drivers of the unit provide for her. Their compassion and kindness is consistent, genuine and deeply appreciated by her.

At 85, my mother's eyesight has started to fluctuate, making it stressful for her to drive. She decided to turn to the Red Cross for assistance. Equally challenging, my mother has severe allergies and respiratory issues, making it hard for her to use public transportation. Perfumes make her very sick and they are hard to avoid. If it wasn't for the Red Cross transport vehicles "perfume-free" environment, she would lose the independence she thrives on to get around on her own.

She is amazed the service is so exceptional. As we correspond by telephone on a daily basis, I hear from her about this experience at least twice a week. Over the many months she has received the Red Cross service, I have enjoyed listening to her positive accounts to the extent that I have more than once thought, "Who are you and what have you done with my mother?"

I am truly amazed at what must be a tremendous selection and training program carried out in order to select the finest people to drive and make close contact with people like my mother. From the drivers' perspective each passenger may be but one of several a day and many per week, but for the passenger this contact represents perhaps the most important social interaction they have in their day or week.

My partner and I have always donated to international causes. The Red Cross has been one of our top charities to support. Now, as a result of the impressive service provided to my mother, we decided to also commit ourselves to the Canadian Red Cross by making monthly donations to the transportation unit. We have no regrets. In fact, every call to my mother, after she has had a ride with your service, has only confirmed the appropriateness of our decision.

I am convinced that if we could bottle and distribute whatever it is that distinguishes the transportation personnel in such a marvelous way, we could cure what ails the world. We would be a far better planet, perhaps even one that lives in global peace and harmony. I say this because while the drivers are volunteers, already committed to service, and the Red Cross is a humanitarian organization setting its goals to the betterment of life on earth, my experience with other organizations has certainly not always or consistently delivered the quality of support we have seen my mother experience. All this to say: "Thanks a million from all of us!"

Transportation Services are available in select provinces only.