A local taxi company is giving back to the community, one fare at a time.
Between noon and 4 p.m. Aug. 11, anyone who took a Crown Cab received free fare if they made a donation to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation.
"We just love it," said Claudette McGuire, executive director for BUHF. "It's an absolute thrill to be able to work with businesses and organizations in the community who come up with innovative ideas to raise money."
McGuire said the foundation funds everything from staff education to the purchase of surgical instruments, "whatever is needed to enhance health care."
Currently, the foundation is raising money for an ultrasound machine for medical imaging. It's estimated the machine will cost $240,000 and Crown Cab's fundraising efforts - they matched the donations received Aug. 11 - were definitely appreciated.
This isn't the first time Crown Cab has held a donation for free fare event.
Last month, Crown Cab offered free rides home from the Wayne Pruden Memorial Golf Tournament for anyone who made a donation.
David Materi, who has owned Crown Cab for about 25 years after he inherited the company from his father, said he enjoys giving back to the community.
"It feels good," he said, "and the drivers like it; they get a good response from the customers."
Materi hopes his two children will learn from his actions.
"I would think that this would set a good example for them," he said. "That when you're in a position to give back, you do."
This Saturday, Crown Cab will be offering the same deal to people going to and from BridgeFest, with the proceeds going to the United Way.
