Women’s Institute donations keeping seniors mobile in the County

At the presentation of the PEC Women’s Institute funds were Joan Williams, Nancy Wood, Sandra Latchford, Lorraine Fullum-Bouchard, Aaron Boulton, Special Project and Fleet Supervisor with the County.

The wheels on the bus will continue to go round and round for Prince Edward County seniors and citizens in need.

The Prince Edward District Women’s Institute presented another $5,000 donation to the County toward the operation of the access bus for specialized transit service.
The service, currently with 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.

The Women’s Institute was instrumental in bringing the service to the County back in 2007 when the program began. Since then, they have contributed more than $114,000 and countless volunteer hours to support the specialized transit program. Funds have been raised primarily through the Women’s Institute Arts and Craft Sale, held annually in Picton. The sale started more than 30 years ago by the late Mary Lou Norton and was originally intended to raise money to provide residents with accessible transit. Funds from this sale continue to support the service.

The Women’s Institute goal is to get the service running five days a week, up from the current four days.

“Accessible Transit allows seniors and people with mobility challenges to maintain their independence and participate fully in society,” said Mayor Peter Mertens. “The ongoing financial and volunteer support from the Women’s Institute has been key to providing transit while looking out for the health and well-being of County residents.”