As you are probably already aware, all of us at the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors have had a crazy month so far. Our handy little bus was stolen and damaged but it will be back to us soon.
This event was the topic of conversation at TAPS and around town as well. “How could someone do this to us?” “Does this mean no walking or swimming classes this week?” “What will we do about Dot? Her driveway is too small for the big bus.”
If these questions sound really personal to you, they are. This crime may have been just a joyride to someone — and, yes, we are insured — but to the seniors at TAPS it is a personal attack. It takes away their independence, their right to participate and their right to feel safe.
Just as upset as the seniors are our Krafty Kronys. These are the ladies who knitted, sewed, painted and beaded crafts and held raffles to raise enough money to help pay for our buses. Do you have any idea how many hours of work went into getting these buses for TAPS? Last week, there were several women who were forming a posse that I would not like to be the target of.
We will survive this assault, we will cover the cost of the insurance deductible and we will continue to give seniors the opportunity to be productive members of their community. We will not understand why this happened to us.
This is a good opportunity to tell you about Jim Daniels, our bus angel. Jim is a heavy duty mechanic who has been an amazing volunteer at TAPS for the past several years. Initially, he maintained and repaired the TAPS van and bus, until they were finally deemed too costly to repair. It was Jim who found our first used bus in Surrey. He and Jill Fehr (then the TAPS co-ordinator) drove to Surrey, checked the bus out, bought it and drove it back to Creston. The funds for this bus came from the Creston and District Community Resource Centre and the Krafty Kronys. The van that it replaced was stripped down by Jim and any useful parts were stored for future use or sold.
Soon after this, the little TAPS bus was beyond repair, as well. Again, with complete funding from the Krafty Kronys, Jim found another used bus in Surrey. This one was larger and wheelchair equipped. Jim made another trip, checked the bus out, bought it and drove it back. The old bus was again stripped down and parts saved or sold.
Jim recently retired from his job and celebrated a significant birthday. The Krafty Kronys held a party for Jim as a small token of appreciation for all the hours he has put into keeping the buses running. Jim’s contribution is significant because the funds are not available for the services of a mechanic. Jim has a vested interest in these buses because his wife, Nellie, is one of the drivers who transports the TAPS seniors. If you see Jim on the street or in a store, shake his hand. He is one of the valley’s most generous volunteers.
These past two weeks have shown us how much support we have from friends and strangers alike. Thank you for the kind wishes and your support.
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.