Border City Connects could have a new wheelchair accessible bus on the road sometime in January.
That’s the word from Ron Gillies, secretary treasurer of the non-profit who spilled the beans at the Nov. 26 meeting of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society.
“We’re replacing one of the four wheelchair accessible mini buses that Border City Express uses,” said Gillies.
The specially equipped Express buses transport persons with mobility issues around town and take individuals and groups to various outings and schools.
Border City Connects needs to replace a high mileage eight year old unit acquired used in 2016 when a fire destroyed the building that houses the fleet of vehicles.
“Thanks to a bunch of people in the community, we’re hoping that sometime in January we’ll be able to swap out the old one for a nice brand new one,” said Gillies.
“Our drivers and people who ride in them will be much happier to have a new vehicle.”
The new bus will come with an hydraulic lift and will cost about $175,000.
“If we buy another one in two years, the price of that we have already been told will be a quarter of a million,” said Gillies.
He told the meeting, funding for the new bus is coming from private donors,the Rotary Club of Lloydminster, Play It Forward hockey money and funds raised at the Camrose Casino etc.
Border City Connects also hopes to replace one it’s CareAvans in the near future.
Paul Richer told the gathering Gold Horse Casino will host a general fundraising breakfast for Border City Connects on Dec. 11 at 7 a.m.
Richer says they are looking for angel donors who will enjoy a free buffet breakfast and hopefully donate at the end of a one hour presentation on Border City Connects activities.
“An angel gets a package to convince up to nine people to join them at the table,” Richer explained.
“Then at the end is an envelope with an opportunity to stuff some cash into it.”
To book a table, contact any Border City board member such as Gillies or Mike Sidoryk, acting executive director.
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