Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
Years of fundraising for a bus to transport seniors and vulnerable residents culminated with a celebration in front of Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge on March 8 as residents and Evergreens Foundation staff and board members gathered in front of a 2021 Ford Crestline bus.
"The Evergreens Foundation is very happy we could complete the fundraising for this van," said Kristen Chambers, chief administrative Officer (CAO).
"We're looking forward to many years of use by the seniors of the community."
The Evergreens Foundation took over the bus in July 2019 from the Jasper Seniors Society (JSS).
"We did it on a six-month trial. At the December 2019 Christmas party at Alpine Summit I was presented with a cheque for $75,000 by the JSS," Chambers said.
"We were really pleased. That was a large nest egg to carry over with fundraising. At that point, our facilities operations manager, Ornesto Tassoni, took matters into his own hands and began fundraising, reaching out to Jasper businesses and individuals. It was very well-received by the community."
"It has been a great accomplishment," Tassoni said in an email. "The fundraising started in February of 2020. Our goal was exceeded within six months and we were able to purchase a bus."
The bus has already gone on small excursions such as Christmas lights viewing. The state-of-the-art vehicle seats 18 and has room for four wheelchairs.
"To see the smiles on our residents' faces has brought so much joy and happiness," Tassoni said.
Tassoni noted if COVID restrictions are lifted the foundation is hoping to use the bus for "some great trips like Nutcracker for the Christmas season and a West Edmonton mall shopping trip to name a few.
"As well, we are hoping to involve our community this summer and do some wildlife tours weekly."
Paul Butler, Evergreens Foundation board chair, outlined in an email the transition from the JSS to the foundation.
"Several years ago, the JSS approached (municipal) council with a request that the municipality take over operation of the seniors’ bus service that the JSS had successfully operated for many years."
A series of conversations and consultations followed, which culminated in an offer by the Evergreens Foundation to take over ownership of the bus and continue providing that service to Jasper seniors and other vulnerable residents.
Butler said the community stepped up for the fundraising campaign to top up the $75,000 from the JSS.
"The outcome of all that generosity of spirit on all sides is the new bus we’re all proud to see plying the streets of Jasper and area today, and the continuity of a service valued by so many members of our community," he said.
"I’m so grateful to the Evergreens Foundation, the JSS and all the individuals and groups that worked together to make this renewed venture possible. This shiny new bus is a shining example of what makes Jasper, truly, a welcoming and inclusive community."
