Help Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc. Buy A Van!
Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been working with individuals experiencing intellectual disabilities in the Gravelbourg area since 1984. At our Agency, we operate a Group Home, Supported Independent Living Program, A Day Program and a busy SARCAN Depot.
As part of our mission and efforts to ensure that participants at our Agency receive the best care, we facilitate regular outings around the community and nearby cities. Currently, to transport groups of participants to these events, we rent the Town of Gravelbourg Transette, or use employees personal vehicles, and they are compensated for their mileage.
With this van, we will continue to use the Transette from the Town of Gravelbourg daily. We want to thank the Town of Gravelbourg for working alongside our Agency for so many years, and supporting us with the use of the Transette. We use this Transette vehicle for our daily pick up and drop off of our participants. This van will help us get to medical appointments, and other community events when the larger Town Transette is not required.
We are requesting donations for a 7 passenger van for our Agency. With this fundraising request, we are taking a step forward in our strategic plan, ensuring our participants have access to the community for fun events, medical appointments and more!
We continue to receive applications for service and those applications come with varying levels of abilities. We are pleased to be considered an attractive Agency to individuals and their families due to the caliber of service we provide. Unfortunately, we receive zero funding for purchasing vehicles.
We are humbly asking you to consider supporting our fundraising as we work towards purchasing a vehicle for the individuals we support. The benefits of inclusivity, independence and quality of life this vehicle would provide is extraordinary.
We have set up a Drop & Go account at SARCAN Recycling, under the code GBA, which enables people and businesses to donate their recycling directly towards the project. This donation can be made at any Drop & Go location, anywhere in Saskatchewan! We are also planning to host some other fundraisers, including our 3rd annual golf tournament, and garage sale in August 2025.
You will receive a tax receipt for your donation, as we are a registered charitable organization. Your donation will be publicly recognized in a post on social media, a picture and caption in the local newspaper. If you donate an amount of $5000 or more, we will proudly display a decal of your business on our vehicle!
Community Connection:
As we strive to enhance the quality of care and support for our participants, acquiring a 7 passenger van has become a top priority for Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc. The vehicle will not only accommodate our 5 residents in our group home, but also provide space for 2 staff members, ensuring safe and comfortable transportation for everyone involved.
Benefits of an Agency Vehicle:
- Safety & Reliability: Relying on our employees personal vehicles for transporting residents can lead to safety concerns and liability issues. A dedicated van will meet safety standards and be specifically designated for transporting residents, reducing risks associated with using an employees personal vehicle.
- Consistency in Care: Having a designated van allows for consistent transportation arrangements, ensuring that employees can focus on the needs of the participants, rather than logistical challenges. This consistency helps us to create a more stable environment for our participants.
- Accessibility for Activities: A 7 passenger van will enable our group home to participate in community activities, outings and appointments more easily. This promotes social interaction and engagement, which is vital for the wellbeing of our participants.
- Cost Effectiveness: Over time, using a dedicated van can be more cost effective than reimbursing staff for mileage or managing multiple personal vehicles. It allows for better budgeting and resource allocation.
- Enhanced Staff Support: With a van, employees can work more efficiently and collaboratively, knowing they have reliable transportation at their disposal. This can lead to improved job satisfaction and retention.
Financial Wellbeing:
We are funded by the Ministry of Social Services, CLSD. This funder offers us financial stability and the opportunity to provide quality care for our participants. We are extremely grateful to our funders for their support.
In the budgets received from the Saskatchewan Government, we are funded for operating cost and wages. 90% of our annual funding is allocated specifically to wages and benefits for our employees. In our operating budget, we are responsible for budgeting the remaining 9.3% to cover the costs of office supplies, utilities, education, food supplies, programming supplies, advertising and more. With a strict budget, and the need to prioritize important monthly operating costs, we unfortunately have zero allocated funding to cover the cost of an Agency vehicle.
Leadership of Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc.
- Paige Fink - Executive Director - Paige has been working at Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc. since 2019. Paige has 9 years of experience working in human services, and working with people of all abilities.
- David Punga - Board Chair - Dave has been serving on the Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc. Board of Directors since 2019. Dave is a valued member of the community, serving on several boards including the Lions Club, Curling Club and Gravelbourg Dirt to Dreams.
- Michelle Pouteaux - Treasurer - Michelle has been on the Board of Directors since 2018. Michelle offers the Agency valuable financial insight and support. Michelle is a valued member of the community, serving on Boards at the College Matheiu and Chinook Regional Library.
- Barb Gellert - Secretary - Barb has been serving on the Board of Directors since 2019. She offers a unique experience with the Board, advocating for participants in the Group Home and community. Barb is part of the Admissions committee for the Agency.
- Bobbie Jo Wilson - Finance/Employee Relations - Bobbie Jo has been on the Board of Directors since 2021. She offers expertise in financial management and supports the Agency with our strategic plan and priorities.
- Jeanette Moquin - Policy Review Committee - Jeanette has been on the Board of Directors since 2021. She offers experience as a retired teacher from the Gravelbourg school. Jeanette has been instrumental in policy development and writing.
- Daniel Lamarre - Board Director - Daniel has been serving on the board since 2019. Daniel has experience in Health Care as a former EMS worker.
- Bailey Printz - Admissions Committee - Bailey has been on the Board of Directors since 2021. She works in Gravelbourg as a nurse, and has provided the Board with valuable health insights. Bailey has prior experience working with people with intellectual disabilities.
- Dawn Desautels - Board Director - Dawn has been on the Board of Directors since 2025. Dawn brings years of valuable knowledge, having served on the SARC Board of Directors (with several years as the Board Chairperson), and the Citizens All Board of Directors. She is also a proud member of the SARC Advocacy Committee.
The acquisition of a van for our program is not just a logistical improvement; it is a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and mobility for our community. With your support, we can ensure the participants have the transportation they need to fully participate in the community.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, fostering inclusivity and empowerment!
Thank you for your support in our fundraising initiative!
Q&A:
Q: Why are we fundraising for a van?
A: Right now, we don't have an Agency vehicle. Having a van would make a huge difference! It would allow us to transport people, attend events and more! It is a critical step towards growing our impact.
Q: Who will the van help?
A: The van will support our mission to "Ensure Value, Dignity and Opportunity for All". It will make it possible for us to participate in community events, attend doctors appointments and more!
Q: How much are we trying to raise?
A: We are aiming to raise $50,000 to purchase a new van, and get it ready for use. This covers the cost of the van, insurance and licensing.
Q: What happens if we raise extra money?
A: Any additional funds will go towards fuel cost and maintenance of the van.
Q: How can I help?
A: Donate here or share our fundraiser with your friends and family, cheer us on! Every share and comment matters to us!
Q: What happens after we get the van?
A: Once we have the van, we will be able to transport our participants safely. We will keep everyone updated on our Facebook Page so you can see the impact your donation has made!
You can also join our Golf Tournament fundraiser on June 7th, 2025 at Thomson Lake Regional Park. All profit from this tournament will go towards the van!
Q: Can I donate offline?
A: Absolutely! You can drop donations off at 405 1st Avenue East, Gravelbourg. You can also mail a cheque to Box 822 Gravelbourg SK S0H 1X0.
Q: Will my donation be recognized with signage on the vehicle?
A: Businesses or people who donate over $5000 will have a decal placed on our van!
Organizer
Paige Fink
Organizer
Gravelbourg, SK
Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc.
Beneficiary