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Local groups working to replace seniors' bus

In conjunction with the Bow Valley Health Care Foundation, several local groups are fundraising to purchase a new Handibus for local seniors.

In conjunction with the Bow Valley Health Care Foundation, several local groups are fundraising to purchase a new Handibus for local seniors.

Outgoing foundation co-executive directors Paula and Ron Remple are approaching the end of their terms with the foundation and said they wanted to go out celebrating.

“We’ve just looked at the last couple months of transitioning out and thought it would be much more fulfilling to see one more thing crossed off the wish list,” Paula said.

That last thing is a new bus to replace the one purchased by the Canmore Ladies Hospital Auxillary 10 years ago.

A new vehicle has been on the hospital’s wish list and fundraising for it began last December with the Foundation’s annual Coffee With Friends event.

Locally, the Lions Club, Ladies Auxilliary, Canmore Seniors Association and the Royal Canadian Legion Three Sisters Branch have all committed to help with the project, in addition to $50,000 from the province.

“The momentum of the bus is really starting to pick up now,” Ron said. “Between the provincial grant and the community groups who have contributed or committed funds, we have commitments for over $100,000 of the total $135,000 that will be needed to purchase the new Handibus.

“We are grateful for how our community responds to the needs of the hospital and our seniors.”

The bus is used by the hospital to connect seniors in the community through the adult day support program. From Monday to Thursday each week approximately 40 seniors use the bus to go to events in Canmore and the surrounding area. On Fridays during spring, summer and fall, the bus is used to take seniors from Golden Eagle View on day trips.

“This is a chance for seniors who are somewhat isolated to get to have some interaction with each other, the volunteers and others in the community,” said recreation therapist Karen Drummond.

The new bus will fit more passengers and be significantly easier for seniors to get in and out of, said Paula.

In order to say goodbye to the many community groups that have supported the Foundation, the Remples are holding a farewell celebration on Friday (Oct. 21) from 9-11 a.m. at Silvertip.

“It’s free to come, but we’d be honoured if the community would continue the tradition and leave a donation for the Handibus over a good cup of coffee,” Paula said. “We can’t imagine a better or more fitting celebration to end our tenure as executive directors than by thanking the community and encouraging them to keep supporting the Foundation. This bus will just be one of the many things past and future that will be accomplished when community works together.

“We couldn’t be any prouder to be a part of that.”


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