Townships of Cramahe and Alnwick/Haldimand – On Friday, Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi attended a funding announcement for the Northumberland Transportation Initiative as they unveiled their new expansion of services. MPP Rinaldi joined invited guests from local service providers, businesses and program sponsors to congratulate the Northumberland Transportation Initiative on their accomplishments.
"This $80,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant represents an exciting step forward for rural transportation. The purchase of this wheelchair-accessible van means more Northumberland residents will have better access to the services they require," said MPP Rinaldi.
The OTF grant contributed $20,000 towards the purchase of a wheelchair accessible van along with a $20,000 grant from Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation and a $5,000 contribution from Northumberland United Way. The OTF grant is also covering a portion operating costs to allow expansion of services. “These grants will help NTI become a more sustainable service and allow us to expand the days of service. NTI is thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s commitment to this much needed rural transportation service,” said Jessica Hoskin- NTI Project Coordinator.
The expansion of service days on the Cramahe and Alnwick/Haldimand route was also announced today. Transportation service will be expanding to 4 days per week starting June 14, 2010. Weekly days of operation will be Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
NTI has provided affordable rural transportation to residents living in Cramahe and Alnwick/Haldimand Townships since November 2008, offering service Monday and Thursday with three daily routes at an affordable cost of $5.00 each way. NTI has been able to provide 697 trips and registered 85 clients. The Initiative is a community partnership project sponsored by the Ontario Disability Support Program, HKPR District Health Unit, YMCA Early Years, Northumberland United Way, Port Hope Community Health Centre, Help Centre, Northumberland County Community & Social Services and the Townships of Cramahe and Alnwick/Haldimand.
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. www.trilliumfoundation.org
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For more information, please contact:
Jessica Hoskin- Project Coordinator
Northumberland Transportation Initiative
905.355.1444 or 1-866-768-7778
j.hoskin@commcare.ca