By Sarah Wallace

Two Miles For Mary raises nearly $30K

Oct 2, 2014 | 3:46 PM

It’s that time of year again when the community rallies together in support of the Prince Albert Seniors Transportation Program.

Two Miles for Mary, the annual radioathon and breakfast broadcast live on 900 CKBI from the Kinsmen Heritage Center, raised close to $30,000.

The broadcast aired Friday morning, and aimed to raise funds for the program that drives seniors to various appointments including doctor visits, trips to Saskatoon for appointments or just a quick trip to Wal-Mart.

Every year a ‘Mary’ is chosen from those seniors who use the program.

This year’s ‘Mary’ is 83-year-old Mary Aspvik.

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She and her husband moved to Prince Albert four years ago.

Aspvik said she’s been using the program for about two years, “I like it, I wouldn’t be without it.”

“[I’ve used it to go to] go to the stores, go to Wal-Mart for a couple of hours, or Sears for a few hours, and go to the bank. I like it.”

After her husband passed away two years ago Aspvik relied on her son for rides before she started using the program.

“I don’t like to depend on him all the time because he’s busy. I love the seniors and the girls are all nice, really nice, so I wouldn’t be without it.”

She said she doesn’t really get a chance to do much because of her bad back, but she really enjoys bowling and being out with friends.

“[The cost of a ride] is really nice. It’s $4.”

She said if the program wasn’t around she’d have to rely on taxis, so she doesn’t want to see the program go away.

“I like it, I really do, I wouldn’t be without it. It helps the seniors who can’t get around, to get around with a car. A lot of them would be at home, so it’s nice for them, it’s a wonderful thing.”

Donations for the program can be by calling 306-763-MARY (6279). Although the radio-thon is over, the phone lines will remain active until the end of the day.

All the money raised goes directly towards keeping the program rolling for another year.

Last year’s event raised $34,973.

In 2013 alone the program provided 6,151 rides, which included 55 trips to Saskatoon for medical appointments.

The program runs Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and appointments can be made by calling 306-953-4477.

swallace@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahthesquid