by Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 13/98) - Generosity is something to be passed around.

That message was conveyed this week when the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors donated a minibus to the Rae-Edzo Friendship Centre.

"It's in good working order, so this is better than trading it in," said Aven Manor executive director Wade Weir.

Last month the association started using a new minibus thanks to a $65,000 capital grant from the Department of Health and Social Services.

The buses can carry four wheelchair passengers and six ambulatory, or more mobile, passengers.

"The van was getting older and required more and more to be spent on repairs," Weir said. "We were very lucky to get the grant so we decided to pass it on."

While at a key presentation at Aven Manor May 11, Rae-Edzo Friendship Centre board member Garry Hubert said the community is excited and the gift will be well used.

"This will help several people in wheelchairs and elders who would be unable to get to the nursing station in Rae."

Before the minibus gift, if seniors in Rae had to go to Stanton Hospital for more specialized medical care, either someone in town drove them to Yellowknife, they paid for a $200 cab ride or they would forego the appointment.