By Aaliyah Adams and Abirah Chandraraj
Margaret reached out to Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic seeking safe transportation for her immunocompromised husband and herself. Having experienced the uncommon and remarkable warmth and caring of the SCHC family during her tense and trying times, she felt the urge to give back, and became a volunteer in SCHC’s Client & Family Advisory Committee. Here is her story!
A year ago (in 2021), my husband fell ill and was hospitalized. He was the only source of transportation in the family. Facing unprescedented times as the pandemic raged, I found myself stuck in a bind with my husband being immunocompromised and having comorbidities. Getting around to a slew of medical appointments and running all the regular errands, raised a lot of concerns and anxiety about the level of exposure to risk with any form of public transportation, in addition to viability over the long term. Fortunately, the hospital gave me a list of transportation services which led me to the SCHC Transportation Division. At that moment, I had no idea that reaching out to SCHC would make such a huge impact in my life.
SCHC's Transportation Division is a 5-star operation. Safety is a serious priority. As such, for that extra layer of pandemic protection, vehicles were fitted with a plexi barrier between the driver and the passengers, and drivers maintained recommended protocols throughout. Needless to say, my husband and I felt at ease from the start.
This was topped only by the consistent high level of excellence in service from Kelly (Transportation Co-ordinator) and all the drivers. I hold each one (bar none) in high regard for their friendly, helpful, thoughtful, kind and respectful manner. I am also grateful for the lighthearted conversations which matter especially in the midst of social distancing and health challenges. I got Peter as my driver most of the time which made sense in limiting contacts during COVID. In addition to keeping our trips well-organized, he lives by his motto – treat others as you would like to be treated. He is a notable ambassador for SCHC. Having used other transportation sevices which are mostly sterile, I am now a dedicated fan of SCHC as their calibre of service puts the 'care' back into community care.
SCHC's Transportation team is not just the light at the end of the tunnel, but more importantly, the bright light IN the tunnel. I use their services at least once a week during the pandemic for routine errands such as grocery shopping, or attending medical appointments. The team sets the bar high when it comes to client satisfaction, and go out of their way to ensure clients are well taken care of. If only they were available 24/7! Nonetheless, they have provided monumental relief in my life and I am extremely thankful for being able to have their support!
This was topped only by the consistent high level of excellence in service from Kelly (Transportation Co-ordinator) and all the drivers. I hold each one (bar none) in high regard for their friendly, helpful, thoughtful, kind and respectful manner. I am also grateful for the lighthearted conversations which matter especially in the midst of social distancing and health challenges. I got Peter as my driver most of the time which made sense in limiting contacts during COVID. In addition to keeping our trips well-organized, he lives by his motto – treat others as you would like to be treated. He is a notable ambassador for SCHC. Having used other transportation sevices which are mostly sterile, I am now a dedicated fan of SCHC as their calibre of service puts the 'care' back into community care.
SCHC's Transportation team is not just the light at the end of the tunnel, but more importantly, the bright light IN the tunnel. I use their services at least once a week during the pandemic for routine errands such as grocery shopping, or attending medical appointments. The team sets the bar high when it comes to client satisfaction, and go out of their way to ensure clients are well taken care of. If only they were available 24/7! Nonetheless, they have provided monumental relief in my life and I am extremely thankful for being able to have their support!
 | Apart from being an SCHC Transportation Service Client, I am also a volunteer on the Client & Family Advisory Committee. I was approached by the Transportation coordinator to see if I would be interested in volunteering. Inspired by the level of care and service that I received, I felt honored and compelled to contribute to SCHC's continued longevity, and this opportunity was the perfect fit. The platform gave me the chance to share many ideas with the Committee whose goal is to achieve a broader understanding of the client’s perspective so as to better cater to their needs. |
Overall, SCHC is an outstanding community-oriented organization and is definitely SCARBOROUGH'S BEST KEPT SECRET! They're not simply a company, but more of a beacon of hope. Like a good neighbour, this organization has cheerfully helped to relieve my transportation burdens during the pandemic. With regards to key suggestions for SCHC’s ongoing success in the future, please continue doing what you are doing and perhaps, if feasible, expand the Transportation division. They are the BEST!
As an organization that strives to meet the diverse, holistic health needs of the communities of Scarborough, SCHC is truly honored to have clients share their journey and experiences using our various services. It is a heartwarming feeling knowing that clients can safely attend their weekly appointments and complete their weekly errands with our transportation services. If you are someone that is interested in SCHC’s transportation services, you can learn more by clicking here. For more information or to register, email cssintake@schcontario.ca or call 416-847-4134.
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