At first blush, it’s little more than four wheels, some metal and a series of wires.
But for residents at a long-term care facility in Kitsilano, it’s their only link to vital medical appointments, visiting family and a feeling of independence.
The Greater Vancouver Community Services Society (GVCSS) is appealing for donations to raise the $80,000 necessary to purchase a new, wheelchair-compatible van used to transport four clients with physical and cognitive disabilities.
The van currently in use is close to a quarter century old and on its last legs: the interior floor is rusting out, the wheelchair lift breaks down and the engine has logged close to 222,000 kilometres.
“Our level of need is urgent at this stage,” said Laura Johnson, fund development officer with GVCSS. “Residents use the van to attend frequent medical appointments, as well as the recreational and social activities that support their independence — they visit with family members, attend worship services, go to sporting events and movies.”
Established in 1972, the non-profit society provides homecare to 4,000 clients per year, including the elderly, people with disabilities and those who require support to retain or regain their health and independence.
The four residents living at the home located near Fourth Avenue and Alma Street are all wheelchair bound and non-verbal; some rely on sign language to communicate.
Two of the residents’ conditions are so severe that being outside on a cold day for any length of time can compromise their health.
“In addition to the medical fragility of our residents which precludes them from taking transit, two of the residents have new wheelchairs that aren’t easily maneuverable on transit,” Johnson said.
The society relies on funding from Community Living B.C. to care for group home residents on a permanent basis, but that money isn’t enough to cover the van replacement costs.
A similar fundraising drive on the North Shore came to a head on Nov. 29, when GVCSS members celebrated the purchase of a similar van, albeit a smaller one, that services clientele at the North Vancouver-based Mount Seymour group home.
About $60,000 was raised by way of private donors, family members and money from community foundations.
“The van is a lifeline — it’s how the residents within the group home are able to leave the house,” Johnson said.
Those interested in donating can do so online at gvcss.bc.ca, or by calling Johnson at 604-714-3517.
