North end couple steps up to keep shuttle going

A local businessman has stepped in to bridge the widening gap between north end residents and local grocery stores.

Up until March, the North End Food Security Network ran a shuttle bus to take local residents grocery shopping, given the lack of large food stores in the area.

The shuttle service started in 2010 with a small van and a volunteer driver. Its mandate was to provide equal access to nutritious foods. But in March it shut down.

Laurence Rosenberg whose business, the Accurate Technology Group, is in the North End, has bought a used school bus, and Rosenberg got his bus driver's licence.

He says he wants to give back to his community.

"This community has a lot of heart," he said. "You just need to open yourself out and meet the people be with them, people are the same all over."

Now, every Thursday, he and his wife Elizabeth cruise the neighbourhood, picking up anyone wanting to shop.

Jasmine Tara of the North End Community Renewal Corporation says it means people aren't forced to rely on small convenience stores for essentials.

"The North End is huge and there are tons of people here," she said. "They want to have access to the bigger stores and not do all of their shopping at the convenience stores."

Local resident Charlotte Bryce takes the bus, dubbed 'Hot Wheels for Meals.' She's grateful for the lift.

"I like the free service. If I have any money I go," she said. "Even if I don't have money, I go. I like the people. They are so friendly."

Rosenberg loves his new gig behind the wheel.

"Everyone seems very appreciative and grateful, and its like an outing, we alll have fun when we go," he said.