11/29/2014
To the Friends of ‘RoundTowner
Thanks to the generous support of our local community, ‘RoundTowner celebrates its 1st year of service and continues to provide affordable transportation to our needy Friends and Neighbors on San Juan Island. We are neighbors helping neighbors.
Without the ‘RoundTowner service, needy elders and disabled people who do not drive must stay home or spend $15.00 to $20.00 for a taxi trip for medical care or to the store and back. Inclement weather, varying disability levels, stamina for carrying loads and preference to manage one’s own errands all force some of our neighbors to seek public transportation assistance. Several caregivers have told us that prior to our service, some elderly people did not go to the doctor, shop and eat nutritiously and “withered away” as they were unable to afford the transportation. We intend to take care of these vulnerable people.
The San Juan Islands Shuttle System (SJISS) is currently offering the ‘RoundTowner service in the Town of Friday Harbor. The ride is free, we suggest a donation of $3.00 per person if possible. For a group of 2 or 3, the second person is $2.00 and the third person is $1.00, all paid by one person and all going to one destination.
Remember, the ride is free, we appreciate any donation.
Taxi service to and from other areas of San Juan Island is provided at low cost by Friday Harbor Taxi.
Since initiated in August 2013, ‘RoundTowner has experienced a huge increase in the need for our services. We started with volunteer drivers who met the initial need with enthusiasm, but the number of neighbors requiring our service has tripled and is beyond the capacity of volunteer drivers. We need to pay drivers, albeit at a little more than minimum wage. We are an all-volunteer organization and rely on the generosity of the community to provide this service at little or no cost to our needy. We are asking for your help to continue this wonderful mission.
How can you help? SJISS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax deductible and helps offset costs including vehicle fuel and maintenance, insurance, and driver expense. In this season of gratitude and giving, you can spread some special cheer to your needy neighbors all year long. We are endorsed by the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor, PeaceIsland Hospital, Skagit Valley College, Mullis Community Center, and the San Juan Island Family Resource Center.
Another way to strengthen our service to this community is a charitable bequest. Please remember us in your will or living trust.
On behalf of the Board and all the volunteers of ‘RoundTowner we are very grateful to all of our donors. It is your generous support that has helped sustain the services offered to those in need of transportation.
If you have any questions regarding ‘RoundTowner please contact our Board Chair, Curt VanHyning, at 360-317-8399 or [email protected]
Thank you!
