The significant impact of handyDART service on its customers gets talked about often. Connection to the community, mobility and reduced feelings of isolation are all positive outcomes from this door-to-door service provided in most transit systems throughout the province. Recently, the partner of a customer sent a letter to the City of Campbell River Council, sharing their appreciation for the service. This correspondence was unique in that it not only shared why the service is so impactful for the customer, but also for his family member.
Below is the letter shared at the April 7 Council meeting, from a local community member named Flo, speaking on behalf of her love one, Keith.
For the past 7 months, we have had the privilege of using the handyDART service on average 3 times a week.
My loved one (Keith) has lived at Discovery Harbour Care Centre for the past 9 years after a stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side, wheelchair bound and with aphasia which makes speaking difficult. Having complications after hip surgery two years ago Keith was no longer able to get into and out of a vehicle and requires assistance with most things. Transportation was impossible and he was stuck in the care home all the time for over a year until we heard about the handyDART.
With this service, Keith is now able to come home for day visits a few times each week, get to appointments and feel more independent. The private wheelchair taxi (which we are grateful to have in Campbell River) is price prohibitive ($35/$40 each way to get home) and even with the discount coupons he has to be very careful financially as his pension is limited and the care home costs approximately 80%, leaving very little for anything personal and the things they don’t cover.
Having said all that, the handyDART is an absolute blessing. It changed our lives, and we are so grateful. The drivers are excellent (well trained, professional, kind and helpful). The booking office is always very accommodating and friendly, and the whole service is a great reflection of a caring community.
Thank you for funding it and for being so aware of the needs of those who cannot use public transit. Our entire family is thankful, and Keith wanted “those in charge” to know that it has been a live saver for him. (It seriously changed his life). It has improved his mental health, allows him to be better connected to family and friends, and has made getting to the doctor and other appointments possible.
It is hard to imagine how limited life can be when you are disabled and it is easy to find fault with our systems – but in this case please know that it matters, it makes a difference and it is something that works. The return on the investment is huge. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
This letter perfectly captures the purpose of handyDART, and we are grateful to Keith and Flo for taking the time to share their appreciation. It has been shared with our operating company in Campbell River, Keolis Canada, who work hard to deliver this service for registered handyDART customers in their community.