The Dauphin and District Handivan Association (DDHA) hosted its annual general meeting, May 16.
President Sharon Zeiler said it was a productive meeting, during which the audited financial statement was presented by Jason Zamrykut.
The board also welcomed two new members, Debra Robertson and Shannon Prokopowich, who will join remaining board members, Zeiler, vice-president Marge Beyette, Lavonne Tyschinski, Rodney Juba and Sharon Paziuk, as well as RM representative Ken Shewchuk and city representative Steven Sobering.
“We worked through our subcommittees that we set up for 2023-24. We also have a work place health and safety committee that we work with every month,” Zeiler said.
The DDHA received a $7,500 grant from the Dauphin and District Community Foundation that will be used to assist with the conversion costs of a van to accommodate a ramp allowing larger wheelchairs.
“And then we were also fortunate to get a large grant from the Building Sustainable Communities Fund, which was more than $71,000. That will go towards a new van. That was a wonderful thing to receive, because it certainly helped out the handivan,” Zeiler added.
When it comes to finances, there are some grants DDHA is eligible for and some they are not. But they also do some fund-raising, such as assisting with the Lion’s Club Bingo, June 3.
“We will be offering free rides for anybody that wants to go to the bingo with the handivan between 3:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. I believe that’s when it will be wrapped up,” Zeiler said. “We just want to do positive things for the community and give back to the community. We’ll take volunteers, not a problem. Because we’re a small board, we do have spouses helping out with our fund-raisers or we have friends of the board members that come and help out. So anybody that is wanting to help out the handivan with volunteering, we will greatly appreciate their help.”
DDHA still has trip cards for sale for $30, which allows the card holder six trips, working out to $5 per trip. Zeiler said they are on sale until Sept. 30, adding they do not have an expiry date.
There is also a like and share contest on their Facebook page for a card, with the draw for a winner at the end of the month.
Handivan drivers include Floyd, Darrell, Mike, Glen, Ken and Grant and Lori is the office administrator.
