ONE CARE’s Driven to Care campaign surpasses halfway mark toward $500,000 goal

Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive Director, ONE CARE (right) with Bill Branderhorst, ONE CARE driver.

After less than a year, the Driven to Care campaign has officially surpassed the halfway mark of its $500,000 fundraising goal, made possible by the generosity of the community.

Launched to address the growing need for safe, reliable and accessible transportation across Huron and Perth counties, the Driven to Care campaign is focused on both purchasing accessible vehicles and maintaining its existing fleet.

These vehicles assist older adults and individuals with health challenges stay connected to essential services and their communities.

“Passing the halfway point is an incredible achievement and a powerful reflection of the caring spirit in our community,” said Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive Director of ONE CARE.

“Every gift, large or small, is helping ensure that transportation is never a barrier to care.”

According to ONE CARE, accessible transportation should never be a barrier, but rather a bridge, to empower every senior and adult with health challenges to travel freely, safely, and with dignity.

Thanks to generous donations, ONE CARE has already purchased one accessible vehicle, which is now on the road serving clients. The organisation is in the process of acquiring a second new vehicle, to expand its ability to meet rising demand.

According to ONE CARE, its capacity to deliver rides has faced a reduction in the number of trips it is able to accommodate due to vehicles being off-road for inspections and repairs.

This is the reason why there is a dire need to acquire new vehicles to protect the longevity of this vital program.

In rural areas where public transportation is limited or non-existent, reliable modes of travel are not just convenient, they are essential.

Accessible transportation plays a vital role in helping ONE CARE clients attend medical appointments, access groceries, and remain socially connected.

While this milestone is worth celebrating, ONE CARE says the work continues.

The transportation program still requires further funding to purchase new vehicles and maintain its current fleet and needs volunteer drivers.

Both new vehicles and more volunteer drivers will help ensure the service is able to meet the growing needs in rural communities.

One tenured driver for ONE CARE, Bill Branderhorst, likes to think of himself as a vintage driver, driving a vintage van.

This van is 10-years-old and has over 574,000 kilometres under its belt. When vehicles reach this stage of their lifespan, age is not on its side.

“Vehicle servicing needs to happen more frequently, parts need replacing, you name it,” explained Branderhorst.

“All of this takes money and precious time that could otherwise be spent on the road transporting clients.”

To help push this campaign closer to its $500,000 goal, community members can make a one-time or monthly donation, purchase 50/50 tickets, participate in upcoming fundraisers, sponsor a vehicle ($20,000+ donation) to have your business name proudly displayed on a ONE CARE vehicle, or donate your car through Donate a Car Canada.

After a successful first iteration of ONE CARE’s Steps for Seniors fundraiser, the walkathon continues for its second year taking place on June 13, 2026, in Stratford and June 14, 2026, in Clinton.

Proceeds garnered from ONE CARE’s annual walkathon will be put directly towards the Drive to Care campaign.

According to ONE CARE, every dollar raised stays right here in Huron and Perth counties.

For more information about the Driven to Care campaign, or to donate, please visit onecaresupport.ca.