There's an ironic twist to town council's deliberations on transit this coming Monday, Sept. 10; many of those who need the service don't have a lift or means to get to the meeting.

Helping Hands Society has stepped up and is encouraging those who want to attend but don't have transportation to call them: 587-580-9448.

The nonprofit Helping Hands Society is standing behind those who desperately need transit in the community to make it here.

"A lot of our clients are the vulnerable citizens in town," explains executive director Jackie Shier. "So, we're talking low-income seniors, single parents, newcomers to town, basically people who don't have the support network or perhaps the financial resources to support themselves adequately."

"A lot of our clients could really benefit from transit in Cochrane and ironically a lot of these people can't get to Monday's council meeting even if they wanted to go."

Best known for spearheading the twice-annual food drive, Helping Hands has vastly expanded its support web that links volunteers with those in need. That includes the Volunteer Driver Program that will be utilized on Monday night.

Those calling will be asked to provide their name, their location and contact information. They'll receive a call Monday to confirm details of their lift.

Getting around Cochrane can be challenging for those without a vehicle and transportation costs add up rapidly, Shier explains.

"It's difficult to get around for social things but also for essential needs like getting groceries or to attend a medical appointment. If there's one breadwinner in the house who's at work with the car and the other parent is at home with the children it's difficult to get around."

The physical features that make Cochrane a desirable community is also an obstacle for many without multiple vehicles and a high household income at their disposal.

"It limits where people can live and then for people that are living in the outlining communities it limits what they can be a part of. We have newcomer families with one vehicle and all of a sudden their kids can't be part of sports or extra-curricular activities because the family vehicle isn't available to take them to the sports centre."

"If you haven't lived here for five years and you don't have that network of friends and family that can help out with the driving it really limits what you can get involved in."

"Not having transit, really makes us perpetuate the double income family that can afford to have the two vehicles to drive the kids around. That's who's going to be seeking out living in a place like this; we're not making it open and inclusive for others."

Those "others" include minimum wage workers in the service sector, many of whom hold down multiple jobs to survive.

The Volunteer Driver Program was started in late 2016 and in 2017 they provided 169 roundtrips for about 33 clients. That response was without widespread promotion.

To learn more about the services of Helping Hands and how you can help, can visit www.helpinghandscochrane.ca.