Jams for million-dollar bus

Photo: Ryan Lancaster

A Kelowna man is heading back east to continue his million dollar bus project, which he started last fall.

In the spring and summer of 2017, Ryan Lancaster quit his job and sold his house, and began pursuing his dream of helping community projects across Canada.

Through just six transactions, he was able to trade up from a $2 button to a full-size school bus. He made his first trade with Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, who traded him a Japanese tea set. 

“He had brought back this really cool traditional Japanese tea set from our sister city in Kasugai and he said, 'This is meant to foster community, and if you're going to be going to communities across Canada, this would be a good first trade,'" Lancaster said. 

After months of renovations, Lancaster hit the road in September, taking three and a half months to cross the country. He ending up in St. John's, Nfld., where the bus has spent the winter.

Lancaster connected with four community projects, ranging from helping at-risk youth to environmental initiatives, on the east coast. He's planning to help fundraise and spread awareness about these projects through the summer of 2018. He flies east on Monday.

Before he leaves town though, Lancaster is hosting a fundraising concert at the Kelowna Forum Saturday.

The Concert for a Cause: Million Dollar Bus Sendoff will feature two local bands, Impavid and Mountain Sound, along with a presentation by Lancaster about the future of his project.

The show kicks off at 7 p.m., and the $25 tickets can be purchased online or at the door.