SARAH WILLIAMS

The Prince Edward District Women’s Institute gave the gift of mobility over the holidays when they presented County Council with a cheque for $5,000 to go towards improving accessible transportation within the community.

The generous donation from the Women’s Institute (WI) raises the County’s funds earmarked for accessible transportation to $120,000.

For the past 30 years, the WI has worked to improve access to pubic transportation for residents over the age of 65 as well as for people with disabilities.

“Our members are proud to continue our longstanding history of supporting accessible transportation in our community,” said Wilma de Wolde, President of the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute. “The increasing popularity of the service shows there was and is a great need for accessible transportation.”

The local chapter of the WI has been making inroads with regards to accessible transportation since they began studying it in 1989. Their goal became a reality in 2007 when a specialized transit service offered through Quinte Access hit the road.

Over the years, the WI has collaborated with other agencies as well as the municipality and raised thousands of dollars for accessible transportation services through their annual arts and crafts sale.

The accessible transportation service, which would not be possible without the funds raised by the WI, completes close to 10,000 trips per year.

“The commitment of the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute is truly remarkable,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “I want to thank the many volunteers who make this donation possible every year. Their efforts ensure more and more people can get around the county thanks to accessible transit.”