WI donation continues to fuel accessible transit

The Prince Edward District Women’s Institute presented Mayor Steve Ferguson and council with a $5,000 donation to support specialized transit in the municipality.

The Prince Edward District Women’s Institute’s financial support for accessible transit in the County has reached the $120,000 mark with its latest donation.

The organization presented County council with $5,000 at its December meeting. For the past 30 years, the Women’s Institute has worked to improve access to public transportation for residents over the age of 65 and persons with a physical disability.

“The commitment of the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute is truly remarkable,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “I want to thank the many volunteers who make this donation possible every year. Their efforts ensure more and more people can get around the County thanks to accessible transit.”

The Women’s Institute is a leader in advancing accessible transit in the County. The organization began studying the issue in 1989 and realized its goal in 2007 when a specialized transit service offered through Quinte Access hit the road.

Over the years, members collaborated with other agencies and the municipality, while also raising thousands of dollars for the service through their annual arts and crafts sale.

Currently, the service – which is made possible financially by the Women’s Institute, the municipality, user fees, and Ontario’s gas tax program – provides nearly 10,000 trips each year.

“Our members are proud to continue our longstanding history of supporting accessible transportation in our community,” said Wilma de Wolde, President, Prince Edward District Women’s Institute. “The increasing popularity of the service shows there was and is a great need for accessible transportation.”