December 2022

The Community Rider has been very good this year and, through grants from the federal and provincial governments, we’ll be getting 2 Hybrid Ford Escapes in the near future. These vehicles will be a huge help to replace aging cars in our fleet and keep us running more efficient than ever!

We can’t thank our funders enough for making this happen. Vehicles are our biggest expense and they age quickly with long days on the road. Between these grants and operational funding from the province, we’re feeling very grateful this holiday season.

As big a help as this is for the Community Rider, other sides of our organization are feeling the pressure this season. Food in the Community Freezer is going fast and donations help us stock it to keep up with demand.

Interested in donating? You can give in the following ways:
Canada Gives: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/19070?v1=true
e-transfer: ehcrdispatch@gmail.com
(please make the answer to the password “elmsdale“)
Drop by our office with cash or cheque – Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This past November, Tanya Burke, Executive Director of the East Hants Community Learning Association, reached a huge milestone – 20 years of service and 10 as the head of our organization! We’re lucky to have her leading our team.

Tanya started as an instructor for the East Hants Adult Learning Association, which became East Hants Community Learning. Over the years, she was part of it all as our organization shifted to meet the changing needs of the community. This includes the launch of EHATS, the East Hants Alternative Transportation Service in 2006, which became the Community Rider. In 2012, she became our Executive Director and since then has been leading our organization with dedication to this day.

Thank you Tanya, for everything you have done for EHCLA and, more importantly, the care and support you show for all of us here and your community. Your actions are a big part of what makes EHCLA the success that it is and a wonderful place to work and learn.

Three cheers for Tanya!
From all of us at EHCLA, EHCR and ECG

Each year, we take some time over the holidays to spend with our family. The office and classrooms are closed from December 24th to January 2nd, but the Community Rider is still available for pre-booked trips between December 28th – 30th. You can go shopping, visit friends, or simply get away and get some time away from it all.

Bookings must be made by Friday, December 23rd at noon. Book early, as there will be limited availability.

To book your ride:
phone: 902-883-4716
e-mail: ehcrdispatch@gmail.com

For many years, we offered a Corporate Membership Program for $50/year. We always felt there was more we could do to provide greater value for your support and have now rebranded the program as our Corporate Sponsorship Program. With our new program you can now:

These are just a few examples of many new, exciting options. A full list of the new program can be found here. We hope you will take this opportunity to support our programs and get recognized in our community for the good work you do.

For more information about this program, or to sign up:
phone: 902-883-1608
e-mail: communications@communityrider.com

Do you like to look at Christmas lights but don’t have access to a vehicle? We’ll be doing a Free Christmas Lights Tour in East Hants and Fall River areas on Friday, December 16th between 6 to 9 p.m. Seats are limited, so pre-book early!

To register for this event, please contact our office:

phone: 902-883-4716
e-mail: ehcrdispatch@gmail.com

The price of transportation isn’t getting any cheaper and we’re getting more calls all the time from folks looking to save on getting from point A to B.

To assist low-income passengers, we have received funding to bring back the Fare Assistance Program. Passengers will be offered to apply for the subsidy if they identify as low income:

• An individual making less than $24,000 per year
• A family of 2 making a combined income of less than $30,877 per year
• A family of 3 making a combined income of less than $37,816 per year
• A family of 4 or more making a combined income of less than $43,666 per year
• Passengers will be eligible for one (1) day of subsidized transportation weekly to a monthly maximum of $300
  • EXCEPTION: Medical transportation for dialysis or frequent medical appointments, ie. cancer treatments

Here is a breakdown of regions and costs:

Regions	Cost per person
Trips under 12 km	$5
Trips between 12 – 25 km	$10
Trips over 25 km	50% of regular fare

For a full list of details, check out the information page on the Community Rider website.

If you know someone that struggles to afford the cost of transportation, get in touch with the Community Rider at:

phone: 902-883-4716
e-mail: ehcrdispatch@gmail.com

The Community Freezer has been extra busy this past month and we are doing our best to keep it stocked with a variety of meals. We currently have:

• Goulash
• Ham Noodle Casserole
• Lemon Turkey Orzo Soup
• Sweet & Sour Pork

Meals are prepared by our team and available for anyone that wants them. Simply call the office at 902-883-1608, let us know how many meals you would like and when you can pick them up. Our office hours for meal pick up are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To get the most up to date information on the Community Garden, check out our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ElmsdaleCommunityGarden

Draws will take place on Facebook Live on December 13th.

Thanks to Shop East Hants for creating this fun-filled activity for the holiday season! East Hants Community Learning Association will be out there searching this week!.