Big Hill Senior Citizens Activity Society president Maureen Wills (left) along with Orville Lammle and Marie Britton pose with the new bus.
by James Emery
Cochrane’s Big Hill Senior Citizens Activity Society welcomed the newest member of their family when a brand new 2008 Ford Handi-bus was delivered May 14.
The new bus, decked out with the latest safety features and conveniences, will provide seniors in Cochrane and parts of the M.D. of Rocky View more freedom and independence that they may not of had otherwise.
"Our goal is to provide affordable transportation to seniors and persons with disabilities in the town of Cochrane and in the surrounding portion of the M.D. of Rocky View," Orville Lammle, driver and transportation coordinator for the society said.
The bus, which can accommodate two wheelchair passengers as well as 10 regular riders, cost just under $62,000 and will supplement the society’s three other busses, Lammle said.
Previously, trips were being cancelled as not enough buses and drivers were available to take all the seniors to their destinations.
The society, whose annual operating fees are covered by the Town of Cochrane and the M.D. of Rocky View, transports seniors to doctor’s appointments, hospital visits or even a bingo night for a nominal fare.
"We started the Handi-bus in 1980," Maureen Wills, president of the society said. "Some years we run on a shoe-string and other years we fall lucky; some angel comes along and supports us."
The society received three major donations of $20,000 each for the new bus from the Cochrane Lions Club, the Provincial Lottery Fund and from a private donor who wishes to remain anonymous, Lammle said.
Lammle also noted that Janis Tarchuk, member of legislative assembly for Banff-Cochrane, was supportive of the society receiving a new bus and helped guide the society towards government grants like the Provincial Lottery Fund.
Other donations were made by a variety of community members and organizations, a thankful Wills added.
The new bus is "going to be absolutely urgent [for seniors] because how do they get out for medical appointments, groceries and simple small things that those of us that have the independence of driving our own vehicle take for granted," Wills said.
At the Big Hill Seniors Lodge -- a frequent stop by the society’s Handi-buses -- word of the new vehicle and the service had residents talking.
"It helps your independence," Big Hill Lodge resident Faye Williams said.
"Sometimes, it’s the only way to get around," another resident, Claudia Edge, chimed in.
Staffers at the seniors lodge were intrigued by the new bus and services it would provide for the people they work daily with.
"It’s hard for them to get out and about," said Margaret Ellenbroek, a resident attendant at the Big Hill Lodge. "It sounds like [the new bus] is going to open up a door for them."
Ellenbroek said that the service was so valuable to the residents of the senior’s lodge because most of the time a taxi is too expensive or family members aren’t always available to take them to where they need to be.
Marie Britton, a driver for the society for 25 years, took the new shuttle on its maiden excursion and is still enthusiastic about transporting seniors after all these years.
"I enjoy driving and I enjoy spending time with the seniors because I am one myself," she said.
The bus was delivered from Goshen, Indiana and made by Supreme Corporation.
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