Provincial Successes – Dawson Creek Better at Home

The much anticipated “Ticket to Ride” bus tour program, organized through Dawson Creek Better at Home, kicked off this June to tremendous community response. The transit bus tours are sponsored by the City of Dawson Creek and BC Transit, who generously provide the use of the bus and the driver.

The goal of the program is for the seniors of Dawson Creek to get familiar with the transit system, all the transit stops throughout the city, and with local shops. “We try to have stops that reflect cultural, educational, social, and recreational opportunities that are accessible by bus.” said Arleene Thorpe, Dawson Creek Better at Home’s Volunteer Coordinator. “The whole idea of having these tours is so that the seniors feel a little bit more comfortable going on the bus themselves. They’re then more comfortable and at ease going to different places because they’ve stopped there on the bus tour before.”

There is no cost to hop on and ride. It is a program funded by donations, to give vulnerable and isolated seniors the chance to enjoy a day out. “It”s very humbling when I have seniors come up and thank us so much because they haven’t had a chance to get out and go and do things. It just warms your heart.”

There have been 7 bus tours offered since the inaugural ride, and approximately 116 seniors have taken advantage of the “Ticket to Ride” opportunity offered through Better at Home in Dawson Creek.