JDA Magazine May 2025 Paperturn - Flipbook - Page 35
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Why be a Volunteer Driver for the JDA?
Nick Graham is related to Ruth Lawrence, a Deaf JDA member. He and his
family know how crucial JDA is in the lives of our older members. So, when
he retired, he decided to become a volunteer driver for JDA.
Here, Nick gives his outlook on hearing people’s relationships with the Deaf
community… and the importance of chau昀昀eurs carrying polo mints!
Nick writes:
Since October 2024, it has been my
privilege to be allowed to drive members
of the JDA to and from their Wednesday
Club activities.
Apart from knowing I am saving the charity
a lot of money in taxi fares, I am also
helping to ensure that those members
who want to go “to Club,” can go.
For many, it is their main contact with
the Deaf signing community and the only
time they get together with their lifelong
friends.
In our hearing society, we take for
granted the world around us. Some of
us never even try to enter the world of
the Deaf community — but we expect
Deaf people to adapt to our hearing
world. This can’t be right.
Driving a car full of JDA members is
quite unique — and it has made me
realise how wonderful they are.
Being a volunteer driver for JDA is a
lovely experience. Should anyone else
decide to step up and help the JDA in this
way, one must make sure that you carry
a packet of Polo mints in the car, as my
regular passengers Brenda and Anthony
have insatiable appetites for them, and
they help them enjoy the ride with me!
▲ Nick with his happy, regular passengers, Brenda
and Ruth
JDA needs more volunteer drivers
on Wednesdays, to drive our
older members to and from Essex,
North West London and Herts areas.
If you are interested
in being a volunteer driver,
please contact Jodie at JDA on
020 8446 0502 or email jodie@jdeaf.org.uk
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