Seniors in the Montague area will be able to travel in comfort, thanks to a new bus purchased by the Rotary Club with the assistance of the Community Development Bureau.
For the past sixteen years, the Rotary has provided a bus service for seniors and some people with disabilities. The bus picks them up where they live and takes them shopping, to church or to appointments. Once a week, the bus is available for a trip to Charlottetown.
The cost to the seniors is nominal and revenues did not allow the Rotary enough money to buy a new bus when one was needed.
They approached the Community Development Bureau and were awarded a part of the cost of the new vehicle. The rest of the money came from the Rotary Club itself, as well as from a number of community councils, service clubs and seniors groups.
"Projects like this one, which allow seniors to stay in their own communities, are what the community development fund is all about," said Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The Rotary has run an excellent program with great community support and we are pleased to be able to help them."
For Donald MacKenzie, the support didn't come a minute too soon. He's one of 13 volunteer drivers for the service and a strong advocate for the new bus. As soon as he heard that the money was coming, Mr. MacKenzie flew to Montreal, picked up the bus and drove it back to the Island in one day so it would be available to take the seniors to church on Sunday morning.
"Some of the people I drive just wouldn't be able to get along without this bus," Mr. MacKenzie said." It's great to see how much they appreciate it. The Rotary is happy to provide this service and very grateful for the help getting a new bus."
Jim Bagnall, MLA for Montague Kilmuir, will present the cheque representing the Community Development Bureau's contribution to the bus at a Rotary luncheon on Wednesday December 6 at the Lobster Shanty.