Trillium Bus Launch
Mid-Toronto Community Services unveiled a brand new, 20-seater, wheelchair accessible bus at our launch event on Wednesday, November 4th 2009. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation who made a $105,400 grant to our organization earlier this year, we were able to purchase this bus which is critical to providing service to the frail and at-risk elderly in our community.
Board Chair, Adam Fair and Executive Director, Kaarina Luoma were joined by Councillor Pam McConnell and Jascha Jabes, a volunteer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony. In attendance were members of our Adult Enrichment & Wellness Program, Adult Day Program and Alzheimer Day Program, as well as volunteers, staff and media.
This new, fully equipped bus is essential in transporting fragile and disabled people to the agency’s specialized Alzheimer and Adult Day programs, six days a week. It is also used daily to deliver nutritious meals to people who do not have access to food, through the Meals on Wheels program, one of Toronto’s biggest.
“We are so thankful for the opportunity to provide this service to those who rely on us,” said Kaarina Luoma, Executive Director at Mid-Toronto Community Services. “The unveiling of this new bus means that for many years to come our clients will benefit from a safe and comfortable means of transportation designed specifically to meet their unique needs.”
George Smitherman, MPP Toronto Centre, who was unable to attend this event sent along this message - “With this announcement, Mid-Toronto Community Services will be able to offer its clients even more assistance. It also reaffirms our government’s commitment to helping seniors and those living with disabilities, to live more independently and with the dignity they deserve.”
The ability to help people in need through the use of this new, fully-equipped bus is made possible by the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario. For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. It continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.
Please check our photo gallery to see more great pictures of the day.
Thank you to all who attended this event and helped celebrate bringing care home to seniors and adults who are disabled in our community.