GORE BAY—The Gore Bay Rotary Club has once again made a very generous donation to the Angel Bus, which provides accessible transportation for residents living in or west of Central Manitoulin, M’Chigeeng and Billings Township.
“Its great, the Rotary Club has been very generous to the Angel Bus cause since we got the bus started in 2015,” said Sandy Cook, chair of the Angel Bus committee. “The Rotary Club has contributed $1,000 again this year, the same as they have every year the Angel Bus has operated, except for 2016 when they contributed $1,200.”
The Angel Bus, a nine passenger Ford E450, is owned by the Gore Bay Manitoulin Lodge Auxiliary Inc. and run by the Angel Bus Committee, who are all volunteers, explained Ms. Cook. “Our 13 volunteer drivers logged over 475 hours last year driving people to medical, dental and hearing appointments both on and off Manitoulin Island. There were also many trips made to church services, community outings and family events.”
“The Angel Bus service is doing great and providing transportation to a lot of people,” said Ms. Cook. “And the Angel Bus continues to get lots of great support. It is wonderful.”
In order to use the Angel Bus, riders must be in need of accessible transportation and be accompanied by an able-bodied companion. “If the person is able to get into a vehicle on his or her own, we have a list of other drivers whose services are available for a fee,” explained Ms. Cook. “Shirley Farquhar (705-282-7732) is our volunteer dispatcher and should be contacted to arrange a ride.”
“While there is no charge for use of the Angel Bus, our annual operating costs are $15,000-$16,000, with charitable receipts issued for donations. Advertising signage on the sides of the Angel Bus is available for contributions of $1,000 or more,” said Ms. Cook.
Don Wright, a member of the Gore Bay Rotary Club, presented the donation on behalf of the club to Ms. Cook earlier this week.
