CCCKL Volunteers Susan and Wayne Moynes Drive Care and Connection

For Susan and Wayne Moynes, volunteer driving with Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes is more than a service—it’s a way to bring connection and care to the lives of their community members. Married for 53 years, the couple has spent the last 13 years volunteering three days a week to ensure clients can reach vital appointments, run errands, or simply feel less isolated.

Susan’s journey into volunteering began with a candid conversation with her uncle, a Community Care driver. “I told him I was looking for something to do with my spare time and he said, ‘Why don’t you do what I do and drive for Community Care?’” she recalls. By the following Monday, she was signed up and ready to hit the road and make a difference.

Growing up in Stouffville and later moving to Kawartha Lakes at 14 with her grandmother, Susan developed a deep connection to the community. Today, she and Wayne pick up clients across Kawartha Lakes and drive them all over, such as down south to Oshawa or up north to Haliburton. They take their clients wherever they need to go, whether it’s for a shopping trip in town or to a dialysis appointment in Peterborough.

“It’s more than just driving,” Susan explains. “Some clients don’t have anyone to talk to, and we can lend an ear for them. Whether they want to chat about the weather, family, or sports—or just sit quietly—it’s about being there for them.”

For many clients, these rides are a lifeline. “A lot of them say if it wasn’t for drivers taking them to appointments, they don’t know what they would do,” Susan shares. One memorable client even commented, “Your driving is so nice it puts me to sleep,” after napping through a round trip to Oshawa.

In addition to transportation, volunteer drivers serve as a vital link to the community, observing clients for any signs of distress, loneliness or abuse and reporting concerns when needed. “We’re more than a ride; we’re a wellness check and a listening ear,” Susan says.

Although they take winters off—hanging up their keys a week before Christmas and resuming in the spring—Susan and Wayne’s impact is felt year-round. “Clients appreciate getting a ride and having Community Care in town. When they tell you that, it lifts your spirit and makes you feel good,” Susan reflects.

Susan and Wayne’s story is a testament to the difference volunteer drivers make every day. If you love driving, meeting people, and want to give back to your community, consider joining our team of volunteer drivers. Community Care also offers other volunteer opportunities to fit individual schedules and skill sets, such as Meals on Wheels, Diners Club, Friendly Visiting, and much more.

Visit www.ccckl.ca/volunteer or call 705-324-7323 to learn more about how you can help bring connection and care to those in need.