The Gravelbourg Cares Wellness Shuttle could soon be offering rides to people from Assiniboia needing to get to medical appointments in Moose Jaw and Regina. Assiniboia’s Masonic Lodge approached the Gravelbourg organization to discuss a collaboration and the shuttle coordinators, who were eager to develop a relationship beneficial to all.
Shuttle directors Linda Roberts and Lynn Holmes were in Assiniboia on Friday Oct. 9 to meet with members of the local Masonic Lodge to discuss how the Gravelbourg Cares Wellness Shuttle could assist the community of Assiniboia.
A representative of the Masons said the people in Assiniboia could take the Gravelbourg shuttle by offering them a lift to meet the Gravelbourg vehicle part way, likely at the intersection of Highways 2 and 43 (the Gravelbourg turn-off).
“We became interested in this shuttle some time ago,” the Masonic representative said in continuation. “We meshed with the people of Gravelbourg. We also approached Curtis Nelson to be our business partner. Through several meetings with the Lodge and Gravelbourg Cares, procedures for the shuttle began to develop.”
Additionally, Curtis Nelson of Nelson GM was prepared to put a courtesy vehicle at the disposal of the link-up project.
The Gravelbourg Wellness Shuttle has been operating for just over a year and more than 100 riders had taken it to get to medical appointments in Regina, Moose Jaw and Swift Current. Ridership increased steadily through last winter, but the service was forced to shut down for three months because of the COVID pandemic. The shuttle went back into service since June. Moreover, the van and service had been re-arranged to abide by COVID health directives.
A shuttle ride to Moose Jaw from Gravelbourg called for a suggested donation of $40 (return trip) while the fee for a Regina trip is $50.
Receipts are issued and the cost can be included in the medical deductions portion of income taxes.
Until this new part of the shuttle service is launched, Assiniboia and district residents are still able to book a ride if they can meet the shuttle on their own. The dispatch number is 306-650-7333.
The Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle is a registered charitable organization run entirely by local volunteers.
