OGO Car Share Co-op (OGO) is adding a minivan to its fleet in order to provide larger families with access to a vehicle that can accommodate their unique needs. The mini-van is the 11th vehicle to be added to a growing fleet that includes passenger vehicles, a pick-up truck, and an electric car. The goal of the mini-van is to increase accessibility and mobility for families and groups that need extra space.

The acquisition of the mini-van was made possible through the generous support of Interior Savings Credit Union’s Community Investment Fund as well as the financial support of the Central Okanagan Foundation. All three organizations are heavily invested in giving back to the community through initiatives that increase equity, access, and inclusion for all.

“Interior Savings and OGO are cooperatives, owned by the people who live in this community,” said Kathy Conway, CEO of Interior Savings. “Together with the Central Okanagan Foundation we’re working to make our community more vibrant and to foster a sense of belonging. Affordable transportation can be a very real challenge for large families and we hope this new addition will help with their transportation needs.”

OGO is expecting that there will be many families in Kelowna that can benefit from a larger vehicle to do errands, groceries, and to make possible the completion of tasks without having to worry about leaving people behind, childcare, or even safety. This will build a stronger, more equitable transportation system within Kelowna, benefiting community as well as building better possibilities for inclusion and personal and community growth.

The initiative was born out of OGO’s work with the Okanagan Refugee Coalition for Advocacy (ORCA), a community based advocacy group heavily involved with easing the transition to Kelowna for Syrian refugee families. OGO was able to bridge a gap in resource availability that was hindering ORCA’s ability to fully complete its mandate. ORCA volunteers had challenges accessing vehicles that had adequate seating room for larger families. OGO, Interior Savings, and the Central Okanagan Foundation have come together to fill this gap in resources by purchasing a mini-van; a lived example of how they prioritize the wellbeing of the community. Moving forward, it is projected that the mini-van will be a beneficial addition to members from all parts of the OGO and Kelowna communities.

In addition to the mini-van, the grants and support of the above organizations have made possible the purchase of two child seats and two booster seats, compatible in all OGO vehicles, and available free of charge to all OGO members.

The mini-van will be parked in the parking lot of the Interior Savings Bernard and Richter branch. Use of the vehicle will be open to all OGO members and can be booked through the online booking system.


Contact:
Christian Brandt
Executive Director
OGO Car Share Co-op
(250) 864-0560
[email protected]
www.ogocarshare.ca
https://www.facebook.com/OkanaganCarShareCoop
https://twitter.com/ogocarshare