The Lakeshore HandiVan Association operating as Age Mobility marked a major milestone this September, unveiling its new 1,104-square-foot garage in Eriksdale.
Keith Lundale, Lakeshore HandiVan Association chair, said this investment will not only improve their services in the Interlake but will also positively impact their users.
“With Age Mobility, we want to develop a service that is sustainable and fits the needs of the communities that we serve. We now have a facility that we fully operate, which provides our staff with the necessary equipment we need to be successful in the delivery of our service.”
The two-vehicle bay garage has a washing area, a mechanical room, washroom and office/board room. This is the first building and property they fully own and operate as they were previously renting space. They plan to host an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony in the near future to celebrate the new facility.
“This allows us to be independent as it is our own and it is fully paid for — it gives us the visibility we need to let people know we are here and we are ready to service their transportation needs,” Lundale added. “It’s about providing necessary services that the community requests.”
With federal funding, private donations and funding through the Eriksdale and Lakeshore hospital guilds, Age Mobility operates 100 per cent debt-free and continues to offer rides at affordable rates.
Currently, the service operates two vans in Eriksdale and one in the Ashern, each accommodating up to nine passengers. Lundale noted plans are in place to add a second van in Ashern and to eventually build another fully operational garage.
“This is a service for all walks of life –– disabled or non-disabled –– to improve their quality of life, as everyone needs transportation to benefit their wellbeing,” Lundale explained regarding Lakeshore HandiVan Association operating under the name Age Mobility. “We are committed to providing affordable transportation to clients who need it most, and Age Mobility is a marketing platform we have introduced to show inclusivity for all.”
Age Mobility provides rides for medical appointments, and private excursions are also available. Age Mobility is applying to expand into stretcher transport to meet a rising demand from their medical facilities.
They are now exploring new funding options to keep rates low.
“If it gets people out and out of their homes and communities — we want to be there for them,” Lundale said.
Travel bookings can be arranged Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by emailing lshcoor@gmail.com or phoning 204-768-2237.
Advanced bookings are preferred and same-day transportation is possible.
Weekend trips can also be arranged ahead of time and depend on driver availability. Calls outside business hours are answered by an on-call employee, but emails are not monitored.
