Volunteer Drivers Appreciated After Another Growth Year for Transportation Non-Profit
South Shuswap Rides board members with some volunteer drivers (photo contributed)
By Jo Boxwell
On Wednesday July 9th, board members, volunteer drivers and a couple of special guests gathered for the South Shuswap Transportation Society’s AGM and volunteer appreciation dinner at Duffer’s Den in Blind Bay.
The South Shuswap Transportation Society was formed in 2019 and operates South Shuswap Rides – a transportation service that utilizes electric vehicles and volunteer drivers to help residents who don’t drive reach necessary (typically medical) appointments in other communities including Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Kelowna. This service is available for free, with donations gratefully accepted.
The society’s volunteer board was acclaimed during the short meeting portion of the evening (President Paul Demenok, Vice President Kirk Irwin, Treasurer Sharon Spearman, Secretary Andrew Hunt and Directors Darlene Duxbury, Bryan Lowes, Garry Spearman and Anne Scholton). The volunteer drivers and their significant others who attended the event were thanked for their dedication to this important service.
Paul Demenok, President of the South Shuswap Transportation Society, told the group, “Business is booming,” adding that it “would never work without every one of you.” He noted the difference the service has made to people’s lives, giving residents who can no longer drive the opportunity to remain in their homes for longer.
In his report, Paul highlighted the significant demand for rides. During the whole of 2024, South Shuswap Rides assisted 91 clients; by July 2025, they had already served 75 clients. Volunteer drivers have clocked 26,142 kilometres so far this year, equating to 899 driving hours and 299 rides. The success of South Shuswap Rides (which was originally inspired by the Eagle Valley Transportation Society in Sicamous) has led to enquiries from people in other areas such as the North Shuswap, Revelstoke and the Lower Mainland who are hoping to establish similar societies in those locations.
The AGM featured two guest speakers, who happen to be valued contributors here at the Scoop. Carole Jeffries and Dr. Jerre Paquette moved to the Shuswap in 2011, and Jerre explained that access to the ride service has helped the couple manage health challenges. Carole told the volunteer drivers in the room, “Jerre and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” adding that the volunteers are “making a difference in our lives.”
Director Garry Spearman has been with South Shuswap Rides since the very first meeting. He said, “it’s the stories that you hear” that make being a volunteer driver so enjoyable, especially since some of the passengers using the service have few people in their lives to talk to.
Vice President Kirk Irwin got involved with the society after seeing a poster asking for volunteer drivers. He said “It’s a phenomenal organization” that helps many people who would struggle to afford steep fares to get to their appointments.
The society’s safety director, Bryan Lowes, spent 30 years working in traffic safety and driver education, and was the Executive Director of the BC Safety Council. Bryan trains new recruits, and said, “We have a motley but wonderful crew. We just need a lot more of them.”
When asked about future plans, Paul Demenok said the society is hoping to add a Chevrolet Blazer EV to their fleet that can accommodate wheelchairs, replacing the smaller Chevrolet Bolt. Paul added that the organization’s success wouldn’t be possible without the support of funders, which include the CSRD, SASCU, the Shuswap Community Foundation and Sorrento Tirecraft.
If you are interested in becoming a (much appreciated) volunteer driver, contact Bryan Lowes at 778-389-4636 or email bryanlowes@shaw.ca.
To request a ride, fill out the online form at southshuswaprides.ca/request-a-ride or call 250-463-4341.
