Activity bus allows flexibility and participation

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

For the past two months, residents at Wheatland Lodge have had more flexibility and freedom in their social events calendar, thanks to the arrival of a new 15-passenger activity bus.
The bus allows Wheatland Lodge residents to plan more scheduled outings for more people, and for last minute social plans.
“It offers opportunities for our residents to participate in all levels of community life. We’re just starting our bus trips and outings and the possibilities are endless,” said Vickey Cook, chief executive officer with Wheatland Housing Management Body (WHMB).
The project to raise funds to purchase a social activity bus started just over a year ago. Originally, the group was looking at purchasing a used 15-passenger vehicle. Due to tremendous support and donations, they reached their goal and were able to purchase a new bus quicker than expected.
Over $40,000 was raised through donations in just under a year and WHMB fronted the difference for the $70,000 bus.
The funds were raised through numerous cash contributions, bake sales, raffles on quilts residents had made and much more.
“We raised over $40,000 in that short (period) of time. The residents and everybody were so enthusiastic about it and it was a really great project for us to all work on together,” said Cook.
Previously, as the non-profit had no other form of transportation, all medical and social outings required using the Handi-Bus which has a space limit of seven people, including staff members. The new social activity bus offers room for 15 passengers and will be available for planned and last-minute social outings for residents. Wheatland Lodge still plans on using the Handi-Bus for medical appointments.
For now, the plan is for WHMB staff, with their Class 4 driver’s licenses, to drive residents around town. WHMB is currently looking for more volunteers with a Class 4 license and clean driving abstract to drive residents to outings outside of Strathmore’s town limits.
To date, residents have had opportunity to go to a casino in Calgary and have gone for lunch, among other outings. Planned trips include a visit to Kananaskis Country, a dinner theatre, trips to see Christmas lights and to Christmas markets.
“I want to reiterate that this is by no means taking away from the Handi-Bus,” said Cook. “This is a strictly social activity bus, it’s not for appointments or hospital visits; it’s strictly a social activity bus. The Handi-Bus still picks up our residents for appointments and for trips to Calgary for the doctor.”
A donor appreciation luncheon was held at Wheatland Lodge on Oct. 24 to show appreciation for community contributions and donations for the purchase of the bus.
Although many businesses, groups, individuals and families donated, some major donations were received from Connect First Credit Union, the Strathmore, Rockyford, Standard, Rosebud, Gleichen, Cheadle and Hussar Lions Clubs, from the Goodwill group at the Lodge and WHMB staff. Phoenix Signs and Graphics also donated all logos and graphics on the bus.
“It’s needed and it’s good to take care of the seniors and our community. You rarely get the opportunity to make a difference to locals … it’s wonderful to be able to have this here for these people,” said Rick Dunn with the Strathmore Lions Club.