Osprey Community Foundation

Creating a more accessible community

A few years ago a lack of wheelchair accessible transportation on the weekend made it difficult for residents facing mobility challenges to attend weekend functions. For one family this was particularly disappointing when, as a result, the family matriarch was unable to attend the Lakeside Park family reunion. This is no longer the case today, in part thanks to a local anonymous donor, her Sheba Fund, and the Osprey Community Foundation’s commitment to following her charitable wishes.

In 2018, Kootenay Carshare partnered with Nelson CARES Age Friendly (an initiative supported by the income of the Sheba Fund) and fundraised to bring a wheelchair van into their fleet. The van is now available to the community and region. Not only that, Kootenay Carshare is also adjusting their membership requirements so non-members will be able to access the van as well. What a great way to bring together all members of the community!