GORE BAY—The significant financial contributions that have been provided to the Angel Bus, operated by the Gore Bay Manitoulin Lodge Auxiliary, from the Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation and other businesses has been tremendous, states a representative of the Angel Bus committee.
“This type of support is a wonderful thing,” stated committee spokesman Don Bainbridge. “Our focus this year has changed a bit to raising funds yearly of between $12,000 and $15,000 towards operating the bus in future years, so to get this type of financial boost is fantastic.
“We have provided a donation of $7,500 through the Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation to the Angel Bus,” confirmed Jeff Smith, executive vice-president of the Manitoulin Group of Companies, when contacted by the Recorder last week.
Mr. Smith explained, “we were a founding sponsor of the Angel Bus to allow the Manitoulin Lodge Auxiliary and the Angel Bus committee to purchase the bus and get it on the road. And we understand there is ongoing costs of operating the bus, and wanted to help make sure the Angel Bus continues to serve the residents of the Manitoulin Lodge and the community.”
“I think this is important for the town and area to support,” stated Gore Bay Councillor Ken Blodgett after council was provided with a presentation from Sandy Cook, a member of the of the auxiliary-angel bus committee, at a council meeting held last week.
“It is certainly a very worthwhile project,” stated Mayor Ron Lane.
“It has been an amazing first year of the Angel Bus thanks to the tremendous support of the community,” said Ms. Cook. “Our goal this year is for increased usage of the bus for those people who are living in their homes,” she said, pointing out she is making similar presentations to all municipal councils on Western Manitoulin.
Ms. Cook explained the bus is available to Lodge residents and anyone on Western Manitoulin that has accessibility needs and are 18 years of age and over. She explained, “our operating costs are between $12,000 and $15,000 per year.”
“We are hoping the current bus lasts three to five years and then we will be looking at replacing it,” said Ms. Cook.
As for funds for a replacement bus, “we raised $57,000 towards purchasing the bus last year, and we will be applying to the Trillium Foundation for funds when we need to replace the current bus,” said Ms. Cook.
People who have accessibility issues can call from their homes and get picked up in the bus, council was told. “This is a free service,” she said.
Councillor Ken Blodgett asked how many people can be transported on the bus at the same time. Ms. Cook explained, “nine passengers and one driver. Or four passengers and four people in wheelchairs and the driver.”
“We had 45 outings in the bus in 2015,” continued Ms. Cook.
“I think we should provide (a contribution of) $1,500,” stated Mr. Blodgett.
Council agreed to pass a motion to have a contribution of $1,500 considered in this year’s budget.
Most of the 45 trips the Angel Bus was used for in 2015 involved residents of the lodge and included Tobacco Lake and East Bluff picnics, Silver Water parade, Providence Bay Fair, spring and fall concerts by both the Manitoulin Community Choir and C.C. McLean Public School, Kagawong Museum, Eye Van trips, doctor’s appointments, participation in Gore Bay Santa Claus parade, ongoing attendance at Lyon’s Memorial United Church in Gore Bay on the second Sunday of the month and at the Silver Water United Church on the fourth Sunday of each month. Other community members have used it on two occasions.
Mr. Bainbridge explained, “our original fundraising campaign to get the Angel Bus itself was very successful and provided a foundation to buy a new bus down the line. This current bus will be good for two to three years.”
“These funds provided here will go toward yearly operating costs, and the donation from the Smith Family Foundation is wonderful,” said Mr. Bainbridge. He noted as well, “we have also received very generous contributions from the municipality of Central Manitoulin, Randy Noble and H&R Construction and New North Fuels provided donations in 2015. Central Manitoulin and Randy Noble are providing an additional $1,000 for this year and New North Fuels is providing $1,000 for three years, 2015-2017. That type of forward thinking and support is wonderful to get.”
Mr. Bainbridge noted that initially the bus was housed at the driving range operated by Cole and Hugh McLaughlin just outside of Gore Bay, “which was great to have.” However, “we have been fortunate that Peter and Patti Gordon who live on Highway 540 in Kagawong are allowing us to house the bus in a dry, enclosed shed on their property. This is a great thing and they even clean the snow off the driveway to alleviate the concerns of our drivers.”
“We have received great community support,” stated Mr. Bainbridge. “We have a roster of nine volunteer drivers and our goal this year is for the bus to not be used exclusively by residents of the (Manitoulin) Lodge to special events and appointments, but anyone on Western Manitoulin with accessibility needs. Anyone who has a need for the Angel Bus can call our bus dispatcher, Sharon Montgomery, at 705-377-5286.”
