“I’ve been driving buses for about five years,” says Don. “I love it!”
Originally a school bus driver, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Don switched from school routes to Mustard Seed routes, driving our clients to and from the Calgary Foothills Shelter. This service is provided to every individual who stays at our shelter, ensuring safe and supportive transportation to/from downtown.
“I get to meet lots of people,” Don says. “Every moment is kind of a special moment, really. It’s a joy and a blessing to be able to do this.”
Willco Transportation Ltd. is where Don is employed and the company that The Mustard Seed has been utilizing since 2019.
“They have been great with staff and clientele,” says Emily, Mustard Seed Basic Services and Calgary Programs Coordinator. “We had to request many changes during COVID, and they were always happy to accommodate and work with us.”
In the average day, Willco Transportation Ltd. will transport 150 clients*, making multiple rounds, in the early morning and again in the late afternoon. The Mustard Seed Foothills Shelter can accommodate up to 370 individuals every night, which means several trips are made, as clients are not permitted to stay at the shelter during the day from Monday – Friday (exceptions are made based on employment and health standings).
We reached out to Willco Transportation Ltd. to thank them for their commitment and compassion for our organization and clients, only to receive this heartwarming sentiment:
“I think the best part about providing this service has been getting to know a few of the guests and knowing that in some small way I am helping to make their lives just a bit more pleasant.” -- William C. Young, President of Willco Transportation Ltd.
For more information about Mustard Seed services, visit TheSeed.ca/Services
* Statistic from September 2022
