P.E.I. community raises enough for new accessibile van for woman with disabilities
Terrence McEachern | CBC News | Posted: August 3, 2016 5:00 PM | Last Updated: August 3, 2016
$41K raised will replace Gloria Ellsworth's 1989 van and cover insurance, registration
A senior with disabilities living near Tignish has a new wheelchair van.
Last month, friends and family started fundraising to purchase a newer van for 66-year-old Gloria Ellsworth, a quadriplegic.
The fundraising efforts have brought in $41,000 — enough to purchase a $38,000 van from a dealership in London, Ont., plus $3,000 for vehicle insurance, registration, winter tires and gas cards for Ellsworth.
'I'll be able to go further'
Ellsworth told CBC News in July how important the van is for getting around, including visiting her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a daughter living in the Maritimes.
"If I get a better one it'll be just great. I'll be able to go further. I wouldn't have to worry when I get in it, if I'm going to make it or not," she said.
This is the second time the community has come together to help Ellsworth with transportation. In 1989, the community raised funds and bought the wheelchair-accessible van she's been using until now.
Life changed
Ellsworth's life changed in February 1974 when she was shot by nearby resident Ernest DesRoches. That same night, DesRoches shot and killed Ellsworth's sister and brother-in-law at their home. DesRoches is serving a prison sentence in Ontario for those crimes.
The incident left Ellsworth with limited use of her hands and requiring the use of a wheelchair.
A community member has volunteered to go to Ontario free of charge to pick up the van. He is expected to be back on the Island in the next couple of days. Ellsworth says she feels very lucky to have such kind friends in the community.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | P.E.I. Fishermen's Association wants separate minister for fisheries
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Wood Islands-Caribou ferry schedule adjusted, more crossings added