An anonymous donor has stepped up for Battlefords Handi-Bus, donating a whopping $10,000 towards the purchase of a wheelchair lift equipped handi-bus.
"It was a huge donation," said transit manager Al Love. "It represents almost 15 per cent of the purchase of our new bus."
Although the donor chose to remain anonymous, the donor appears to be a Handi-Bus client, as he/she explained the donation by saying, "The Handi-Bus provides a great service that is of great value to me and to the many others who use it.
"I felt supporting the things that are important to us is where my priorities should be and donating to the replacement bus seemed to be the right thing to do."
Love explained one of the existing buses is old and needs to be replaced. Battlefords Handi-Bus has applied for a capital grant from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs, which would cover a maximum of 75 per cent of the cost of the bus, but have yet to hear back.
Last month, the Kinsmen donated over $9,000 towards the new bus, so if the grant comes through, Love said the bus will be nearly paid for.
In 2010, Battlefords Handi-Bus provided over 20,000 rides to Battlefords residents with mobility issues.
"It's their only option as far as transportation goes," said Love, explaining the importance of the service.
