Community partnerships were celebrated on Tuesday as Synergy Credit Union and Lloydminster & District Co-operative teamed up to get new wheels for Border City Connects.
Executive director of the non-profit Glenn Fagnan says last year’s Play-It-Forward raised about $60,000 and the co-operatives’ partnership put together $55,000 to secure the purchase of the new Para-van to assist transporting clients across the city.
“We do lots of things in the community with other non-profits. We do both the school divisions. So, it will be utilized for the school divisions for students with intellectual and physical disabilities, but then we do so much more. We do safe rides home. We transport non-profits all over the place,” says Fagnan.
The new ride comes equipped with a wheelchair lift, can seat 14 passengers with a driver and is decorated with inclusive artwork from the creatives at Synergy and the Lloyd Co-op team.
Manager at the Synergy Lloydminster branch, Gord Thiel says they were drawn to the project given the number of groups that benefit from the services of Border City Connects.
“Mobility challenged individuals. They (Border City Connects) provide access for seniors. Access to transportation for students. It really hit a great cross-section of our community and people that really had a need for this type of service.”
Director of marketing and community relations with Lloyd Co-op Kristine Knourek says they too were inspired by the critical community role of Border City Connects.
“It was just a slam dunk to partner with another co-operative business in supporting the community as much as we do. So, we feel very honoured and very humbled today to unveil and announce the fourth Para-van for Border City Connects.”
Fagnan adds the new van would be on its maiden voyage right away taking a group of Ukrainians on a tour of the city.