Virden & Area Handi-Van saw generous public support at their fundraiser barbecue Sept. 8.
Traditionally a spring barbecue, the only drawback to the later date this year was the presence of wasps, which have been a plague to outdoor activities this September.
“The barbecue was very successful, people were very supportive. We received donations above and beyond the meal,” said Evelyn Hayward. She said many who weren’t in line for a hot dog or hamburger reached over to press a $5 bill (or more) into the hand of a volunteer; while some paying for lunch didn’t accept their change.
Hayward, the secretary-treasurer said the roughly $900 would be put toward operation of Virden & Area Handi-Van (VAHV).
The bus serves seniors, as well as others who are mobility-impaired in Virden and in the rural municipalities of Wallace-Woodworth and Pipestone.
For people in wheel-chairs the bus is ideally equipped to safely secure them. For elders being transported to appointments within town, there is no need to struggle into winter coats since it is just a quick transfer by wheel chair to their place on the bus, where a blanket can provide warmth.
“We have had people from Melita in hospital here, who have appointments in Brandon,” says Hayward. They have used the handi-van.
Besides her record keeping, Hayward also takes bookings for the many who use the van. For that, she carries her cell phone every where she goes.
For residents of a senior’s home, there is a charge within Virden, of $24 to ride the van. For those who take the van on out-of-town trips, the cost at present is about 55 cents per kilometer plus an hourly fee for the driver.
“It’s a little costly – but is it?” states Hayward, pointing out the mobility, and quality of life this vehicle offers.
Residents from Westman Nursing Home went on a shopping trip to Brandon, under the arrangement of the activity director. Bowling, and lunch, such as a recent excursion to the Doll Museum near Brandon, or to Kola or Moosomin have been possible through the use of the handi-van.
A common use of the handi-van is for appointments and transfers to or from hospital, whether in Brandon or in Virden.Three days per week seniors are transported to and from the Westman to take part in the adult day program.
Those riding the handi-van for health reasons are required to have an escort. Drivers are paid for their time, and they are solely responsible for the bus and their driving duties.
Virden & Area Foundation, the RMs of Wallace-Woodworth, Pipestone and the Town of Virden supply grant support for the operation and upkeep of VAHV; but the yearly barbecue is an important fundraiser, not only for the dollars it yields, but this effort also qualifies VAHV to apply for a very necessary government grant each year.
Virden & Area Handi-Van fundraiser noon barbecue, Sept. 8 in Valleyview Consumers Co-op Food Store.
Virden & Area Handi-Van on-site for the barbecue fundraiser helped identify the good cause behind the lunch
