The Ponoka Covered Wagon Handicapped Transport Society is eager to replace its two aging vans used for transporting many seniors in the community around town and to medical appointments outside of Ponoka.
President Nell Liddle says one van is used for local transport needs and is used everyday and another is used for medical appointments outside of town. They take payment for the trips to pay for van operating costs but otherwise the non-profit group’s goal is to help seniors who are unable to get around themselves.
“It’s strictly a volunteer association other than our drivers are paid,” said Liddle.
Liddle says their vans have reached the end of their usability.
“We have invested some money . . . that money is invested anticipating replacing them,” she explained.
The group intends to purchase smaller vans that will still have a wheelchair lift, but is expected to reduce fuel and maintenance costs as well. In a letter to Ponoka County, the society states the cost of the vans stands at $77,000 each. They have also applied for grant funding from the Community Initiatives Program.
For more information Liddle can be contacted at 403-783-2364.