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East Kildonan

North Kildonan

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This article was published 06/11/2024 (643 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A group of local seniors can now go shopping in style courtesy of a new community collaboration.

Kildonan-River East MLA Rachelle Schott has teamed up partners including the Transportation Options Network for Seniors, Winnipeg Transit, No Frills, River East Seniors Resource Finder, and Edison Properties, to launch a pilot project that will take seniors who live in several Edison apartment blocks along Henderson Highway on a monthly shopping trip.

On Oct. 30, more than 20 seniors boarded a brand-new, chartered Winnipeg Transit bus to No Frills at McIvor Mall and stocked up on supplies, each at their own pace. The fare costs each senior $6.

“This gives seniors a chance to come and shop,” said Serena Bittner, executive director of Transportation Options Network for Seniors. “We know that food security and transportation are linked. Access to food and transportation is essential to all of us. Transportation is essential for food security and healthy communities.”

Bittner added there was a bus service offered before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has since stopped.

To help gauge the potential interest in the pilot project and, ultimately, make it happen, Bittner said she surveyed residents in the Edison buildings and said there was a lot of “buy-in” in favour of the idea.

Bittner is grateful for the support of everyone involved in the project, including the property manager at the mall, who has sanctioned the bus pulling right up to its north entrance by No Frills, which aids accessibility.

Pat Clark, one of the seniors on the bus, said it provides an invaluable service.

“This means it’s easier for us if we know there’s a shuttle available, as we can plan our month in sync with our pay days,” Clark said, noting the social aspect of such an outing is also important.

“We’ve missed this service, and we’re grateful to Rachelle for listening to us and advocating for us.”

Schott said that when she learned of the need for the initiative, she wanted to be on board for the journey.

“I have heard directly from older adults loud and clear here in Kildonan-River East that many are unable to travel independently,” Schott said.

“Some of these folks were doing their own grocery shopping for the first time in years. Huge thanks to Serena Bittner at Transportation Options Network for Seniors for removing barriers and bringing provincial, municipal and community leaders together who are listening to our neighbours.”