The Meals on Wheels handi-transit committee is holding a dinner, show, and several auctions on Saturday, June 10 to raise money for the district handi-transit van, which was purchased earlier this year.
“We are raising money for the maintenance, upkeep, insurance—to keep the cost down for seniors,” noted committee chair and handi-van driver Kim Lauzon.
“We want to keep it affordable for them,” she stressed.
She also explained there’s still some money owing on the nearly $80,000 vehicle. “So we’re trying to get that paid off, too,” Lauzon said.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation provided a $45,000 grant to purchase the van while the municipalities of Emo, La Vallee, Chapple, and Morley also kicked in some of the funding.
Emo Meals on Wheels contributed an additional $20,000, which was raised partially through lottery ticket sales and generous donations.
Lauzon noted the upcoming fundraiser was initiated by her daughter, Kayla—the reigning Emo Fair Queen.
“She wanted to do something for the community and this serves just about the whole district,” Lauzon said. “And things just took off from there.”
Tickets for the fundraiser, which cost $25 each, are available at Emo Drugs , Gillons’ Insurance, the Circle D Restaurant, the La Vallee municipal office, and the Stratton Community Store.
They also are available from committee members, including Freeda Carmody, Vic Alberts, Molly Crozier, Gary Judson, Patty Labbe, Peter Van Heyst, Kayla Lauzon, and Kim Lauzon.
“There are still tickets available,” Lauzon indicated, stressing the last day to purchase them is this coming Monday (June 5).
Only 200 are being sold.
The turkey and ham dinner, complete with all the trimmings and dessert, is being put on by the Legion ladies in Emo.
“We need to give them a head count for supper,” replied Lauzon when asked why tickets cannot be purchased after Monday or at the door.
An $11 tax receipt can be mailed at a later date upon request.
Lauzon added there will be fantastic entertainment during dinner. “We’ll have very special guests, such as Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash, along with a few others,” she enthused.
The live auction, silent auction, and penny table will follow, and there also is a great door prize up for grabs.
“Most of the items were graciously donated,” Lauzon remarked. “There is some great stuff.”
The doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for cocktails and viewing of the items. The dinner and show will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Lauzon also said any young people who would like to help out to earn the community hours needed to graduate from high school are welcome.
“We have a few lined up already,” she noted. “But we can always use more help to serve, set-up, clean-up, and to be runners for the auction.”
With the handi-transit van in operation now for several months, Lauzon said she’s already seen a slight increase in use.
Seniors and the disabled are able to use the handi-transit van for safe transportation to school, shopping, appointments, and socializing.
“We need to keep this service going for the seniors and disabled children,” Lauzon stressed. “It’s a way to give back to the seniors who have done a lot for us in the past.”
She added everyone is welcome to come out to the dinner, show, and auction, and hopes people will remember to purchase their tickets before Monday.
For more information about the fundraiser or handi-transit service, contact Lauzon at 487-9914.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
