Neighbor Ride Gives 50,000th Ride

On November 17, 2004 Neighbor Ride launched its volunteer-based transportation service with the mission to decrease isolation and improve the quality of life for Howard County’s older residents.  

Today, a team of more than 330 volunteer Drivers and Ride Coordinators work to fulfill this mission by providing transportation for health care appointments, cultural and social outings, volunteer activities, fitness and   educational pursuits, religious services, shopping and other day-to-day needs.   

Demand for the transportation service has grown sharply in the past year; and, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, Neighbor Ride completed its 50,000th trip!  

Volunteer Driver, Anne Lamberty, provided a roundtrip ride to Chesapeake Physical and Aquatic Therapy at the Columbia Association's Supreme Sports Club for passenger, Evadne Lafayette.  

Volunteering with Neighbor Ride is a "family thing" for two-year volunteer, Anne.  Her husband, Gontran, was one of Neighbor Ride's original volunteer Drivers and is also an active member of Neighbor Ride's Board of Directors.

To meet the growing demand, additional volunteers are needed now more than ever. Volunteer Drivers pick the rides that are convenient to their homes, offices and daily routines.  In fact, many of the rides requested by seniors can be provided during short breaks from work, while kids are in school, or on the weekends. Parents are welcome to bring their children along when volunteering for a wonderful intergenerational experience.

Please contact Neighbor Ride’s Volunteer Coordinators, Rosemary Noble and Patrice Cerwonka, at 410-884-RIDE (7433) or volunteer@neighborride.org for more information.

You may also visit Neighbor Ride on the web at www.neighborride.org.