It's been a longtime coming but a new bus has finally arrived for residents living in Evergreen Extended Care and the adult daycare program. Newly elected Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary president David Bratseth said at the celebration at Evergreen on Friday, October 18, that it was because of the 200-plus volunteers who work at the auxiliary’s Economy Shop on Alberni Street, and the gift shop at qathet General Hospital, that the organization was able to raise $170,000 for the new bus. "The look of joy on their [residents on the bus] faces made it all worthwhile," said Bratseth.
"It took awhile but we finally made it happen." Evergreen staff said that before the bus broke down a few years ago, many Evergreen residents were taken on tours through the qathet region, and transported to dinner and community events. Powell River Community Forest also contributed funds for the new bus and costs to run the vehicle, but a representative was absent from the afternoon event.
Powell River city councillor Rob Southcott was in attendance, along with Vancouver Coastal Health and Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary representatives at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place outside the extended care building last Friday, despite inclement weather. Join the Peak’s email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday..