Rebecca Watson
Caledonia Courier
The Stuart Lake Seniors Association (SLSA) is following suit to the Seniors Helping Seniors van idea. They too now hope to acquire a new van or bus that will give lift to mobility and access for seniors to get to events.
“Transportation plays a big part in a senior’s life who can no longer drive, feeling isolated and left behind. The Stuart Lake Seniors Association is in the process of purchasing a bus with wheelchair access to get these seniors back into the community. We want to be able to transport seniors to social events in Fort St James, Vanderhoof, Prince George and anywhere else they would like to go. We would like to get all the seniors back into an active lifestyle by providing transportation to allow this to happen,” Judy Greenaway said, SLSA President.
The Fort St. James Seniors Helping Seniors group purchased a van last month through help of KDL, the District of Fort St. James (DOFSJ) and internal fund raising. Now, the other major seniors group in town would also like to have the luxury but this time make transportation accessible to even those who are handicapped, Greenaway said.
“It will get people out of their homes, get them involved in the community and get them to come out to functions. There’s just all kinds of things people are missing out on,” Greenaway said.
The van will seat eight passengers with two wheelchair access points so those with physical disabilities can access social events.
So far the group has raised $56,500 through various organizations but still needs about $15,000 to reach their goal of $71,000. Anyone interested can contact Judy Greenaway at the Stuart Lake Seniors Association 250-996-8814.
