Legion 256 on East Wellington Rd. in Nanaimo will soon be the only mid-island legion to own a vehicle to help seniors get around the community. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

new wheels

‘It opens up a lot of doors:’ Nanaimo legion awarded grant for accessibility van

Aug 22, 2019 | 9:58 AM

NANAIMO — A provincial government grant will help a Nanaimo legion make life easier for many seniors in the community.

A $60,000 Ministry of Health grant awarded to the Nanaimo Legion Branch 256 on East Wellington Rd. will allow the non-profit organization to buy a small van to transport seniors around the community.

Branch office manager Micheline Sen told NanaimoNewsNOW the van will be purchased in the near future to assist not only legion members, but the community at large.

“We will be able to do all kinds of activities for our veterans, for our seniors. We can help our seniors with doctors appointments…We can get them out of being stuck in their homes and into the community again and be able to be part of Nanaimo again.”

Sen said a new van is a “game-changer” for many of their members. She said seniors are often distressed when they can no longer drive.

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Group social outings are also now an option with the new van.

Over 400 people are members of Legion 256, including an estimated 70 to 90 seniors who could directly benefit from getting rides to appointments and social gatherings.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes