‘We’re so grateful:’ new bus arrives for Nanaimo long-term care residents

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Dufferin residents were excited to be able to enjoy the sunny day down at Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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The bus, pre-used in Winnipeg, was recently purchased thanks to $65,800 generated through the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation (NDHF), community donors, the Eldercare Foundation, and a legacy gift from a local family.

The total price for the bus was around $70,000, including relocating it to Vancouver Island.

Prior to this, Dufferin residents shared a bus with another long-term care home, which severely restricted their ability to venture out into the community.

Now, residents like Barnatt have the ability to go on several trips weekly.

“I love it, I could go every day. “It’s (the destination) always a surprise for us. When we get there, we’ll know. It’s fun. We get surprises along the way, it’s cool. I mean it’s boring if you know where you’re going, isn’t it?”

Dufferin activities coordinator Danica Zaric said this bus can be reconfigured based on the needs of their residents.

“This is a game-changer for Dufferin,” Zaric sadi. “It’s going to improve the quality of life for our residents here. A change of scenery, being part of the community. It’s incredible and we’re so grateful.”

(L-R) Chief executive officer at the NDHF Barney Ellis-Perry, executive director of Eldercare Foundation of Vancouver Island Tom Arnold, and manager of strategic initiatives and grants with NDHF Karen McCarthy, inside Dufferin’s new bus on Friday, June 6. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

NDHF’s Barney Ellis-Perry said leasing a new bus for Dufferin Place was considered, however costs were too high, so they used option was opted for on a suggestion from Dufferin Place staff.

“In the meantime, a large donor came forward that we had not been expecting. A family came forward who has experience with Dufferin, and they said they wanted to provide approximately $100,000, so that’s enabled us to pay for all of the bus purchase.”

Additional funds raised beyond the price of the bus went to the purchase of new equipment at the long-term care home.

Others donated their time and material to the bus, like the owner of Caya Signs Nanaimo, who agreed to put the Island Health logos on the bus free of charge as a thank you for Dufferin staff previously taking care of his father.

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