By Erika Rolling

Ride service

Drive Happiness expands to Grande Prairie and area, with free service for vaccine appointments

Jul 12, 2022 | 8:00 AM

Those living within County of Grande Prairie limits and within the city can access a ride service to get to and from vaccine appointments, for free.

Driving Rural Access to Vaccines has been in the area since this spring and is publicly funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The program is managed by the non-profit organization: Drive Happiness, which started in Edmonton in 1998.

Mawada Tarhuni, the Project Coordinator for Drive Happiness DRAV says the news of this program has been slowly getting out in Grande Prairie since launching.

“We’ve been reaching out the community as much as we can trying to get the word out there and just let people know that this is something available for them,” she says.

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Anyone, any age is able to access the service free of charge.

“So far we’ve established a wonderful driving base, with a couple on board all ready to take on riders whenever they need.”

Tarhuni says the DRAV service can be used for any vaccine appointment.

“Whether it be for an annual influenza shot, a booster… any type of vaccine that anyone in Grande Prairie or the County needs, is accessable to them.”

Drive Happiness is also available for residents in the same geographic area now. The ride program is meant for older adults that have limited mobility, limited income, and personal challenges that restrict them from accessing other transportation services.

“Volunteers in the community use their own vehicles to drive seniors to medical appointments, grocery stores, and any other engagements,” Tarhuni says.

Volunteers go through screening as well as their vehicles before being accepted to become a driver.

People wanting to access the service firstly go through an application process to be accepted and then buy tickets through Drive Happiness to book rides in advance.

“It’s not just a ride, it’s a friendly face that picks you up from your door, holds your hand to your appointment when you need it the most, and it’s definitely a lot of moral support as well.”

She says the program is unlike a taxi or public transit, but more like a private driver. “It’s a very personable, human interaction, that is very warn and comforting for the senior population.”

Volunteer drivers get reimbursed for their fuel costs and Tarhuni says “their wonderful time is definitely appreciated.”