Community Impact - Social Need & Health
As the city grows, so does its needs. For more than 30 years, the Lethbridge Handi-Bus Association, a non-profit organization, has provided accessible and safe transportation for the disabled and elderly. "We provide about 112,000 to 115,000 one-way trips a year," said Muiray J. Campbell, Executive Director. "On a per capita basis we transport more clients per year than Calgary does."
There are several reasons for this. Lethbridge is growing and spreading out. "About five years ago we might have one or two clients from the Westside. Now 25% of our trips are from there." Lethbridge is also a retirement community with an aging population, which requires additional accessible transportation. "In addition, about 35% of all our trips are work-related. We are assisting disabled citizens to remain contributing members of society." The handi-bus also transports disabled children to and from school. The door-to door nature of the service is necessary for many clients.
This year bus number 22 was added to the fleet. "The grant from the lethbridge Community Foundation was a wonderful gift towards the cost of that bus. Without their support and that of others in our community we simply couldn't do it. We appreciate that the community recognizes the importance of the service we provide and is willing to assist us."
From Report to the Community 2005
Need Is Growing
"Over the past seven years, we have seen a dramatic growth indemand for our services and we have increased the length of time we are on the road by 25%." The company now has 31 part-time and fulltime employees and 22 buses. Buses now cost $76,000 to put on the road. "We are responsible for 100% of that cost," explained Campbell. "There used to be some government assistance for the purchase, but that program no longer exists."
Search the LCF site
Updated September 2009
www.lethbridgecommunityfoundation.ca
403.328.5297 office@lethbridgecommunityfoundation.ca 404 8th St South
