Community members gathered at the Ponoka County Regional Fire Services’ East District fire hall on Feb. 6, to check out the Ponoka Handivan Society’s newly-purchased vans.
The event came on the heels of a successful campaign that saw $180,000 ultimately raised for the replacement of two aging handivans.
The campaign, which had an original fundraising goal of $100,000, was launched last summer.
The operation and management of the vans is a partnership between Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Ponoka Handivan Society.
The service provides transportation for everything from medical appointments and family get-togethers to shopping trips and a range of social events.
Organizers say business donations totaled $63,500, individual donations accounted for $46,000, and then groups and clubs donated $69,000.
Last year, in-town van trips totaled 2,617 which equaled more than 14,500 kiolmetres travelled in the community.
Meanwhile, the extra funds raised through the campaign will be put to good use, including helping to cover the ongoing maintenance of the two new vans.
