During the year to 31/3/2017 we carried a total of 18,573 passengers, including 5,460 wheel chair and walking frame clients. The Vans travelled a total of 75,975 kms. There are currently 1,594 clients using the vans on a regular basis. The service is unique to Gisborne, providing transport for the elderly and disabled. With 450-500 passenger trips per week it enables up to 200 persons in any one week to go to their medical, dental, optician etc. appointments, attend Day Care, recreational or social activities. Some use it daily, others two or three times a week and others once a week or fortnight or occasionally to get to appointments. For the majority of those persons, their disabilities and/or the cost would preclude them from leaving their homes if they were dependent on the other forms of transport available in the community. Without the generous support of Catholic Care and other organisations like you, we would struggle to exist. Our service is vital to the community as it benefits the passengers we carry (the elderly and disabled).
David Mettrick, Secretary/Treasurer
12 February 2018
