Oyen United Church was pleased to present Oyen Family Support Service (FCSS) with a donation of $5,000 to help sustain the operation of the local Transportation Program. This donation was made possible through a Mission and Service Grant from Chinook Winds Region of the United Church of Canada. Heather Norris, Oyen United’s Mission and Service Convenor and Imogene Hauk(at right), Board Chair, presented the donation to Oyen FCSS Executive Director Maryann Oliver earlier this month.

Back in 2023, a partnership of Communities in Action, Oyen Family Community Support Services and the Handi-Bus Association applied for and received a grant from Healthy Aging Alberta to purchase a van and provide a much-needed service for seniors to support their aging in place. Since November 2023, the service has provided 753 rides to medical appointments both distant and local and 1,120 locally for basic needs and social outings.

The service encompasses 6000 square kilometres of rural and remote communities such as Oyen, Empress, Cereal, and Acadia Valley Big Stone, Youngstown, Chinook, Sedalia, New Brigden, Esther, and Sibbald.

The van’s exterior recognizes those who have contributed to the vital transportation program including the United Church.