Fundraiser goes the extra mile for seniors transportation

A lifeline for seniors has been extended thanks to an annual fundraiser.

The 30th Annual Two Miles for Mary radiothon presented by The Seniors Transportation Program and Saskatchewan Country CKBI, helped raise nearly $33,000 over a two hour period Friday morning.

“Without this service, I wouldn’t be able to attend my exercise classes at the Alfred Jenkins, or go and volunteer at Mont St. Joseph’s home,” Eleanor George said, who uses the service multiple times a week.

The program, run through the Community Service Centre, offers transportation for clients over the age of 60 at a flat rate of $5 per trip. Last year, over 6,200 rides were provided including a medical charter service for appointments in Saskatoon.

“I use it to go to medical appointments and it’s helpful because using a taxi isn’t always in the budget,” Sheila Goertzen said, also an avid user of the program.

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The annual Two Miles for Mary radiothon was hosted by Chris Knight and Teena Monteleone of Saskatchewan Country CKBI’s morning show and program director Ken Landers. The fundraiser contributes roughly 30 per cent of the program’s operating funds. The program is partially funded by the city of Prince Albert and uses fare revenue to help balance the books.

Community Service Centre CEO, Bill Powalinsky said via press release, “we are allowing people to retain independence and remain active in the community by providing transportation for people who can’t drive, or don’t have access to a vehicle, or family supports available to them.”

Currently, the Seniors Transportation program provides rides between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. The goal is to be able to provide weekend travel service in the future but Powalinsky said additional funds are needed.

Contribution to Two Miles for Mary can be made by contacting the Community Service Centre.

teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TeenaMonteleone