The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor A lack of volunteers has question marks surrounding the future of a vital transportation service for seniors and the disabled. The Lions Handivan has just three volunteer drivers in place for late 2012 and early 2013 but ideally requires at least 10 or 11 at all times. 'To put it in a nutshell, we need people to drive,' said La Verne Hinzman, Handivan coordinator. Hinzman is one of five drivers currently in place, but he will be out of town from late November to late March. Another driver is gone from mid-December to mid-February. Hinzman planned to meet with the remaining three drivers to see whether they are willing to carry the entire load. 'It (would be) very taxing on the three because in the wintertime, it's one of our busier seasons and it (would be) a major commitment,' he said. The Handivan generally operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, though there are some exceptions. Riders are generally seniors, but the Handivan also transports physically challenged students to and from school. The service is technically free, but there is a suggested donation for riders. Hinzman said the Lions Club has advertised its need for drivers but has elicited no interest. He asks anyone interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer driver to contact him at 204-680-9689. There has been a Handivan service in Flin Flon since at least the early 1980s. In the initial arrangement, the Lions Club would raise the cash to purchase the vehicles while the Flin Flon Seniors took on day-to-day operations, including securing volunteer drivers. In 2008, however, the Lions took over the service in its entirety.
