With the launch of a brand new season of City Kidz the challenges to sustain programming for over 1600 children are immense. Months of prepartion are required to faciliate the weekly needs of the children. This includes nearly 200 volunteers, a talented group of staff leaders, weekly snacks, the delivery of a broadcast quality Saturday show and ensuring that no child leaves hungry. Now with over 21 bus routes, representing some 1600 children, one of the most critical components to success is the ability to pick children up at their homes and safely deliver them to the programs and back again. Thankfully City Kidz has managed to sustain a fleet of buses prepped and ready to roll, but there is still one thing missing- the drivers. So critical in fact is the need, that each week the staff continually find themselves short by nearly 5 drivers. With the scheduled launch of two more routes for September, plans may be put on hold and kids left waiting, if drivers can’t be found.
While City Kidz is prepared to train and assist individuals with obtaining their license, they are in need immediately of individuals who already hold a B or C class license. The time commitment to become a bus driver for City Kidz requires approximately 8 hours per month, and the investment of time can make a significant impact in the lives of some deserving children. Many children comment that their favourite part of City Kidz, is the ride on the big red bus.
“I still drive my bus each and every Saturday. It’s one of my favourite things to do. When I look in my rear-view mirror at the faces of the kids, I know that for the next few hours they are mine, and that I have the opportunity to keep them safe, to build hope. As long as they are in my care, I know they will feel loved and accepted. It’s in those moments that I realize most, my purpose in life.” – Rev. Todd Bender, Founder, Executive Director, and Bus Driver
If you would like to drive a City Kidz bus, or know someone who could, please contact Sarah Porter sarah@citykidz.ca or call (905) 544-3996.
