In a nondescript white garage at the Town of Morris Public Works yard is parked a small fleet of vehicles owned by the Morris District Handi-Van Service Inc.
This transport service was developed specifically for seniors and those with mobility challenges in the Morris area almost 20 years ago. With passionate volunteers, community support, and various government grants, the operation has thrived.
“We operate three vehicles on a break-even budget through grants and the fees charged for service,” explains Bill Ginter, treasurer and original board member. He finds it surprising how many clients insist on paying the regular $10 flat rate fee for transport inside of town instead of waiting until $3 Wednesdays. “[Often times] clients request rides to get the mail, groceries, or for medical appointments. [The service] is about providing a level of independence to local seniors.”
Even though only board members were in attendance at the annual general meeting on April 8, the volunteers know the value of the service they provide.
“We provide transport for close to 150 clients,” shares Ginter. “In 2023, approximately 2,000 individual trips were booked.”
Board chair Allen Recksiedler is quick to point out that service options weren’t always this way.
Originally, the organization only owned and operated a 12-passenger, two-wheelchair bus, allowing local seniors and families’ access to shopping trips, appointments, or entertainment outings.
A Dodge Caravan was purchased in 2009 as demand for the service increased along with the necessity for better fuel mileage. The van was replaced in 2019 by a wheelchair-accessible Toyota Sienna. The latest vehicle in the fleet is a smaller Ford Escape.
“This vehicle gets a lot of gravel driving time,” Ginter says.
Operated through the passion of eight core drivers, the retirees, seniors themselves, enjoy their role in the community. When asked why they have remained in their commitments for so long, Recksiedler says “It is pride of service [to the community].”
Ginter adds in, “The seniors are given a level of independence and can rely less on their families.”
Rides are given on a priority basis, with medical appointments and work trumping recreational or personal uses. All rides begin or end within Morris or the RM of Morris.
“Three members of the community are driven to Altona and back every day for work purposes and we regularly drive to St. Boniface Hospital,” says Ginter. “The service is confidential too. Sometimes clients begin needing rides to CancerCare.”
The service could not operate without gears turning quietly in the background. Ellayn Ridalen is the organizer of the fleet schedule and the voice at the end of phone line.
“It’s all about how I can contribute to the community,” she says about her 18 years of volunteer service.
“[Ellayn] is available at all times of day [for bookings],” says Ginter, “although we do request bookings 24 hours in advance.”
The drivers and volunteers look forward to their continuation of service to local seniors and those with mobility issues and handicaps.
“Sometimes all three vehicles are out at once,” says Ginter, with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “And medical appointments never stop.”
