Dear Editor,

Many of you have probably seen the Shriners buses when travelling the highways of B.C. and wondered why you see them so often. Also I am sure that many of you have thought “Man those Shriners sure travel a lot in those luxury buses.” Well let’s set the record straight.

Those buses you see all over the province are actually on a very important mission.

The Shriners operate five buses from Burnaby travelling all over the province seven days a week, picking up children and their escorts.

They are transported to B.C. Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Hospital in Vancouver along with the children that go to the Shrine Hospitals in Portland and Spokane and returned home. This is a service provided FREE OF CHARGE.

It is a program that is appreciated by so many families who would otherwise have difficulty in getting their children to appointments due to the heavy costs of travel.

The success stories from our kids that are treated at our Shrine Hospital would bring tears to any trucker out there.

Just this past year the Shriners transported 2,773 hospital patients, travelling 187,096 miles (301,101 km) and used 130,874 liters of fuel.

The Shriners operate 22 hospitals with a daily budget of $1.6 million each and every day.

This is accomplished without any government assistance of any kind.

If you feel that you would like to help with a donation you will find our donation cans at many truck stops along the way.

Or if you like you can forward a cheque to the Transportation Fund by mail. Shriners of B.C. and Yukon, 3550, Wayburne Drive Burnaby, BC V5G 3K9.

So when you spot one of our buses on the road a wave or a quick flash of your lights is always welcome.

If at any time you see us at a stop please don’t hesitate to approach us for a tour through the bus. Soon our buses will have CB’s and we will be able to share vital information for a safe journey.

Should any of you have any questions don’t hesitate to call our toll free number at 1-800-661-5437. Should you know of anyone that could use our help pass this information on.

Jake Terpstra

Assistant Director of Transportation /Driver