Seniors Van Service
A community initiative administered by the Labrador Friendship Centre for the seniors of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
History
Transportation Services specifically intended for seniors began in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in the late 1970s when Mr. Harvey Mesher made a request to the Knights of Columbus to support the need he had identified. After receiving a donation of a 1970 Chevrolet Inpala, Mr. Mesher ran the operation himself with other volunteer drivers.
When the project became too difficult to administer, Mr. Mesher approached the Labrador Friendship Centre who in turn took on the responsibility for the transportation service for seniors.
The Labrador Friendship Centre in partnership with the Ikajuttiget Board and donations from other sources, is still to this date operating the service for seniors of fifty years of age or older. Any senior with a mobility problem can have an escort free of charge.
The Senior's Van Service has an open door policy and is available to aboriginal and non aboriginal alike for a minimal charge per run.
The seniors use the service for transportation to and from medical appointments, shopping, errands, visiting friends and relatives, paying bills, taking part in traditional activities and community events plus others.
The Labrador Friendship Centre believes that accessible and affordable transportation is vital to meeting the needs of seniors and ensuring they do not face social isolation due to lack of opportunity to maintain mobility.
As the service functions with the objective of providing low-cost transportation to seniors, user fees are kept at a minimum.
Seniors have given tremendously to our community over the years in a variety of ways. The services of transportation intended for them and designed to suit their needs, in a comfortable, convenient and affordable fashion is one way we can give back to our seniors.
When the project became too difficult to administer, Mr. Mesher approached the Labrador Friendship Centre who in turn took on the responsibility for the transportation service for seniors.
The Labrador Friendship Centre in partnership with the Ikajuttiget Board and donations from other sources, is still to this date operating the service for seniors of fifty years of age or older. Any senior with a mobility problem can have an escort free of charge.
The Senior's Van Service has an open door policy and is available to aboriginal and non aboriginal alike for a minimal charge per run.
The seniors use the service for transportation to and from medical appointments, shopping, errands, visiting friends and relatives, paying bills, taking part in traditional activities and community events plus others.
The Labrador Friendship Centre believes that accessible and affordable transportation is vital to meeting the needs of seniors and ensuring they do not face social isolation due to lack of opportunity to maintain mobility.
As the service functions with the objective of providing low-cost transportation to seniors, user fees are kept at a minimum.
Seniors have given tremendously to our community over the years in a variety of ways. The services of transportation intended for them and designed to suit their needs, in a comfortable, convenient and affordable fashion is one way we can give back to our seniors.
Comfort and Safety
Seat belts must be used by passengers of the van.
Seniors with mobility problems may have an escort. An escort is permitted to travel free of charge.
Seniors with mobility problems may have an escort. An escort is permitted to travel free of charge.
No Smoking Permitted in the Van
Due to rules and regulations smoking is not permitted in the van.
Age Criteria
The minimum age for persons using the van is 50 years.
Priority Runs
Seniors requiring transportation to the hospital or doctor's office will receive priority.
To help ensure that this service is operated as effectively as possible, seniors are asked to call in well in advance.
To help ensure that this service is operated as effectively as possible, seniors are asked to call in well in advance.
Hours of Operation
The seniors van is operated five days per week from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Runs will not be accepted after 2:30 p.m.
Seniors, need a ride? Call 896-8302
Runs will not be accepted after 2:30 p.m.
Seniors, need a ride? Call 896-8302
Van Fares
The van service is provided to seniors at minimal cost. Fees for using the van are to be paid at the time of use.
Valley area one way $4.00
and return $8.00
From Valley
To: Base
Hamilton Heights
Spruce Park
North Side $5.00
and return $10.00
From Valley
To: Dock $7.00
and return $14.00
From Hamilton Heights to:
Base $4.00
and return $8.00
Additional stops: $.50
Hours of operation are from:
Monday to Friday from at 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Valley area one way $4.00
and return $8.00
From Valley
To: Base
Hamilton Heights
Spruce Park
North Side $5.00
and return $10.00
From Valley
To: Dock $7.00
and return $14.00
From Hamilton Heights to:
Base $4.00
and return $8.00
Additional stops: $.50
Hours of operation are from:
Monday to Friday from at 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Thank You for Your Support
Support for this community initiative received through generous support from the local business sector, service organizations and individuals is greatly appreciated by the Labrador Friendship Centre!