SPRINGDALE
Donors Fund New Wheelchair Accessible Bus!
On July 10, 2023, the long term care residents at Valley Vista Seniors Home celebrated the arrival of summer - and a new “Wheelchair Accessible Bus” that will keep them connected to their communities!
The South and Central Health Foundation, in partnership with NL Health Services/Central Zone, is pleased to announce that our donors have made it possible to purchase a new Wheelchair Accessible Bus. The purchase of the $210,000 vehicle was a 50/50 cost-shared partnership with the health authority. Our fundraising campaign was launched in October 2022. Thanks to supporters, and a very successful community telethon, our Foundation reached its goal in February 2023!
Special thanks to the following community partners: J Brett Holdings Ltd., Lions Club of Springdale, Main Street medical Clinic/Dr. Todd Young, Estate of Calvin & Verley Noble, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 40, Springdale Community Development Coop, Springdale Foodland, Springdale Pentecostal Church and the Springdale Salvation Army. (These partners donated over $5,000 towards the bus and have their logo permanently displayed on the vehicle)
“Being able to take a simple drive through town, a run to a community event, a trip to the local picnic area or to participate in community or family events brings great joy to our seniors and residents. These outings are a positive way to break up a typical day and help provide a more stimulating, home-like environment for them. It will increase the quality of life for residents tremendously,” said Foundation Executive Director, Wendy Houlihan. Today is certainly a milestone for the South and Central Health Foundation and a tribute to the generosity of the many donors to this project.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to assist the South and Central Health Foundation in their efforts to acquire a wheelchair accessible bus,” said Joanne Pelley, VP-COO Central Zone|Provincial Chief Nursing Officer . “On behalf of NL Health Services Central Zone, I would like to thank the public, our staff and the South and Central Health Foundation for their hard work and dedication to making an impact on the communities we serve.”
“We are so pleased at Valley Vista to have our new accessible bus in the community and ready to roll! added Rebecca Ross, Manager of Site Operations Green Bay health Center/Valley Vista Seniors Home. “Accessible transportation is a common priority shared between Valley Vista and the community of Green Bay. This new bus promotes socialization and access for many residents in our community.
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It supports the goals of the therapeutic recreation department by providing residents an opportunity to return to their home communities, socialize with family and friends outside of Valley Vista, and enjoy the ability to participate in community events.
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The bus also provides community groups accessible transportation to reach more people in our community so they too can participate in events that may have been off limits due to accessibility barriers.
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The bus may also be used to transport large groups of residents during an emergency situation.
“No matter how you look at it, this new bus is a welcome addition, in and around the community and would not have been possible without the generous donations of our sponsors. Thank you so much to all those who made donations on behalf of loved ones, and as a group. Your generosity is noted and greatly appreciated. Thank you again for your support.”
Residents look forward to outings on the bus, to see the places they called home, to have lunch in a restaurant, or to just see the leaves turning in the fall. This promotes socializing and reminiscing and is a positive experience for residents. We welcome your support to “Get on the Bus with Us” and provide safe accessible transportation for our residents. Thank you.”
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