Before Dorothy McNee punches in the phone number for her next customer, she arms her self with the necessary tools.
In her left hand is Thrifty FoodsB次元官网网址� weekly flyer, in her right, a pen. In front is the order form for her next call.
ItB次元官网网址檚 a process McNee repeats every Monday morning as one of 23 volunteers at the Tuscany Village Thrifty Foods location with ThriftyB次元官网网址檚 Sendial program. The program has two types of volunteers, the call takers, such as Dorothy, and the shoppers. Customers are mostly older adults and others who are unable to get to the grocery store by their own means.
B次元官网网址淚 started doing it 12 years ago with a friend and IB次元官网网址檓 still here, I just enjoy doing it,B次元官网网址� McNee said. B次元官网网址淚t could be me one day down the road, I might need the help.B次元官网网址�
Sendial started 30 years ago and has grown to more than 1,100 registered clients, and more than 550 volunteers in 24 Thrifty Foods stores, 11 in Greater Victoria, eight more on the Island, one on Salt Spring and five on the Lower Mainland.
The Tuscany Village store, however, could use one more phone caller. At the moment, McNee is coming in on Sundays to cover an extra shift.
B次元官网网址淲e are consistently struggling to find volunteers to do the order taking,B次元官网网址� said Lynanne Smith, program co-ordinator. B次元官网网址淲e are confident there are great people in the community that would be willing to take on the role if they are aware of the need.B次元官网网址�
Volunteers need clear speaking and writing skills, good hearing, attention to detail and need to know grocery products. Shifts take about two to three hours, once a week.
B次元官网网址淎fter a while you know what your [customers] want,B次元官网网址� McNee said. B次元官网网址淚 try to offer the specials, some people say B次元官网网址榥o, I only want what I want,B次元官网网址� and we get along great.B次元官网网址�
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Sendial program can apply through sendial@thriftyfoods.com or by calling 250-544-1234, Ext. 2.
