WI donation helps keep County transit moving

With the presentation of another $3,000 donation, the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute’s support for accessible transit in the County has cumulatively reached the $152,396.63 mark.

WI members presented this year’s donation at the Nov. 28 council meeting.

The service, contracted through Quinte Access, provides seniors and people with mobility issues with door-to-door transportation, allowing them to get to and from medical appointments, work and school, social events, day-to-day errands, and more, throughout Prince Edward County and beyond.

“Once again, I am thrilled to be able to present Prince Edward County with a cheque for $3,000 toward accessible transportation,” said Kim de Bruin, President of Prince Edward District Women’s Institute. “This year we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Prince Edward District Women’s
Institute Art and Craft Sale. What an achievement for our members here in the County.

“This dedicated group of women works hard and tirelessly to make the lives of community members better, and for
that I would like to thank them all.”

The organization began studying the issue of transit in 1989 and was instrumental in the launch of the program in 2007 with a $100,000 donation over the first five years and continued donations annually with funds raised primarily through their annual Art and Craft Sale.

Mayor Steve Ferguson recognized the group for its dedication to the community.

“It is a valuable service to our community and enables residents to be independent, get out with friends, get to appointments and have an active lifestyle.”

The door-to-door service, which is made possible by the Women’s Institute donations, the municipality, user fees and Ontario’s gas tax program, provides nearly 10,000 trips each year.