[Impact Story] How One Van Is Re-Connecting Seniors To Their Community
When Tom climbed aboard the new 10-seat passenger van for its inaugural trip, he expected nothing more than a day out with familiar faces.
“I was just hanging out, enjoying the trip,” he recalled.
But as the van wound through the Nass Valley toward Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park—one of the region’s most breathtaking routes—something shifted. He found himself opening up, sharing stories, and connecting in unexpected ways. By the end, it wasn’t the scenery he remembered most, but the conversations and new friendships that formed.
“It helped me get to know some more people. It was a very pleasant day.”
For seniors like Tom, simple, social, uplifting outings haven’t always been possible. Many hadn’t visited the lava beds in years. But thanks to a new United Way BC–funded 10-seat passenger van now serving Volunteer Terrace, those outings are once again within reach.
Why transportation barriers hit seniors hardest
In northern communities like Terrace, getting from one place to another can shape a senior’s entire day as well as their well-being. As driving becomes harder with age, medical appointments, groceries, or social outings often become major challenges without a vehicle or someone available to help.
Terrace’s geography makes this even harder. Communities are spread out along long, winding highways, and many essential services require travel well beyond city limits.
As Carol Leclerc, Seniors Program Director at Volunteer Terrace, notes: “Kitimat is our closest neighbor, a 40-minute drive.” With Prince Rupert 90 minutes away and Prince George seven hours, many older adults simply can’t make those trips alone.
Reliable, community-based transportation is essential—not optional.
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By
United Way BC
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Published
Jan 30, 2026
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Subject Area
- Age-friendly Communities
- Advocacy
- Information, Referral, & Advocacy
- Transportation
- Non-profit / Charitable Sector Development
- Impact Stories
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Audience
- Caregivers, Seniors & Volunteers
- Government
- Health Authorities
- Volunteer Coordinators/Leaders
- Service Providers (Non-profits, Community Organizations, Local government)
- Government (Politicians, Policy Makers) and Health Authorities
- Funders
- Academics
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Category
Newsletter
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