October 26, 2007/- Shopping at the mall, visits to the art gallery and road trips– all these are now much more possible for patients and residents at Providence Care. That’s because generous support from the community, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation and the Providence Care Foundation has allowed for the purchase of a new $100,000 wheelchair accessible bus to serve Providence Manor, St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital and Mental Health Services.

“This bus is much more than another vehicle. It will give our residents autonomy and flexibility to be more involved in the community,” says Shelagh Nowlan, site administrator at Providence Manor.

“Our patients have been limited in what they are able to get out and see and do. With this bus they have a greater degree of mobility – and ability to do things like participating in events downtown, or going Christmas shopping at the mall,” says Marcy Saxe-Braithwaite, VP Programs and Chief Nursing Officer.

“This bus will be a visible presence in our community and remind people how donations have a direct impact on the quality of life of our patients and residents, “ says Doug Hogeboom, Chair Providence Care Foundation.

The bus can carry eight wheelchair passengers and 10 people on foot. It was purchased using funds raised at the annual Providence Care Founders’ Dinner in March and through University Hospital Kingston Foundation direct mail appeals. It has been over two years since patients and residents have had access to their own, free bus service.