40 years of service for Minnedosa Centennial Handivan

Submitted

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Minnedosa Centennial Handivan Association Inc. was formed and incorporated in 1983. In 1984, this essential service began serving the Town of Minnedosa and area, including the now RM of Minto-Odanah and northern part of the RM of Oakview. The Association owns the Handivan and operates the service with volunteer drivers.

The transportation service is designed to provide mobility on an equitable basis to all individuals living in Minnedosa and area who are unable to use normal methods of transportation. There is a taxi service in the Town of Minnedosa to accommodate others.

The provision of a flexible, supportive transportation service to persons who are mobility disadvantaged is our primary function.

An individual who by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital abnormality or any other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability is eligible. Criter- ia includes any individual who uses a wheelchair or mobility aid (walker, cane, etc.); is visually impaired to the extent that he/she cannot operate a motor vehicle; is hearing impaired to the extent that he/she cannot operate a motor vehicle; has lost his/her drivers licence due to a medical problem such as seizures, etc.; has a physical impairment which prevents him/her from operating a motor vehicle either on a temporary or permanent basis.

The order of priorities, subject to the discretion of the dispatcher, are: medical, employment (short-term), school, Adult Day Program, Shopping/Business, visiting and recreation. Appointments are taken on a first come, first served basis, with medical taking precedence.

Our drivers offer service from the door of pick-up to the door of the destination.

An escort may be required if the passenger is at risk to travel alone. It is the responsibility of the passenger to arrange for this service. The escort is not charged a fee. The drivers are not required to lift wheelchairs up or down stairs, handle parcels or luggage or help passengers get ready for the trip.

The usual hours of service are 8:00am to 10:00pm, subject to change and to the availability of volunteer drivers. Extended hours of service will be considered by special arrangement only. In some instances, a standing order may be placed.

Our present user fee is $7.50 one way or $15.00 for a return trip within the Town of Minnedosa. The user fee is charged for all trips out-of-town as well as mileage that fluctuates with the price of fuel. Wait Time is charged at $6.00 per hour. Trips must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. If necessary, trips must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled pickup time, otherwise, a $15.00 cancellation fee will apply.

We operate under the Guidelines of the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program (MDTP). We apply to them for and mental health through activities men will actually join. The organization is focused on projects that are funded by the community and provides an alternative way to reach out to avoid “isolation” while giving back to society. funding, annually, and usually receive a small operating grant. In 2022 we received approximately $300 in donations (Minnedosa Health Auxiliary and Sunrise Credit Union fundraiser) and small grants from two of the areas we provide service to. Our user fees cover only a very small portion of the actual cost per trip. The MDTP requires a Compilation of Financial Information each year and this must be completed by a Certified General Accountant. This costs in the neighbourhood of $1,800.

Glen Cummings was recognized with the Tony Otten award, the specific award given to a Neepawa Rotary Club member who has provided significant “service above self”. Glen has been a long-time member of the club and has been a leader in his dedication to Rotary Foundation.

The final recognitions were given to Glen Cummings and Wayne Jacobsen for their multiple Paul Harris Fellowship contributions to the Rotary Foundation.

The evening was capped off by a presentation by the District 5550 Governor, Fred Wright. His message of community involvement and selfless giving to our communities was very inspirational to all.

During the COVID epidemic we ceased operation for a few months and are now operating again. Some of the Prairie Mountain Health programs we provide transportation to are still not up and running and this affects our operation. Our Handivan is used mostly for medical trips, transfers to/from Care Homes and trips to Rivers Rehab. When available, it is used for other purposes within our Guidelines.