Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster are in the process of shopping for a new van. The organization began a fundraising campaign a few months ago to raise around $50,000 for an upgraded transportation vehicle.
Executive Director Brenda Robinson says they have raised $25,000 so far and are still looking for more funds depending on the style of a van they choose to buy.
“There are two styles of vans. There’s the regular 15-passenger, which we currently have. Then there’s something called a transit van, which is newer on the market and there is less gently used ones available. That’s going to be probably around the $45,000 to $50,000 price range.”
Looking ahead, BBBS is expecting to provide 3,800 to 4,000 rides for children next year.
“It’s dual purpose. It transports children to our mentoring programs and it also provides safe rides home on weekends.”
Robinson says they do not have a timeline for the buying the van.
“We know that this is a specific vehicle that we’re looking for so we’re willing to take the time it takes to find what we need.”
She adds that the van will have to have rubber floors to make it easy for cleaning, as well as rear heating and air.
