This year's 'Mary' is Albert, who uses the ride service to go to work twice per week and to enjoy his social life. (www.pacsc.com/Two Miles for Mary)

By Susan McNeil

Radiothon fundraiser

Two Miles for Mary sets lofty fundraising goal

Sep 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM

This year, the Community Service Centre is hoping to raise $35,000 in its annual Two Miles for Mary Radiothon fundraiser, a big increase from the $20,000 raised last year.

Co-ordinator Kayla Pollock said they’re hoping to entice more members of the public to participate by re-implementing some components of the event from previous years, like the pancake breakfast.

“It’s really nice to be able to get the community together again, and we’re looking forward to it,” she said of the return of the breakfast, sponsored by Lake Country Co-op.

2025 is the 38th year for the fundraiser which starts at 6:30 a.m. with pancakes at the Heritage Centre. The live broadcast on 900 CKBI begins at 7 a.m. Other elements of the morning include a ‘Great Escape Challenge.’

The Community Service Centre operates two vehicles that provide transportation to residents ages 60 and older in Prince Albert. While the users of the service pay, the charges are minimal: $5 per person or $4 per person if two people are leaving from the same address.

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The service is growing in popularity although Pollock said they still find not everyone knows that it exists.

“I know from last year, we had an increase of five percent from the previous year. In 2024, we provided over 6,000 rides for the seniors of Prince Albert,” said Pollock.

“I definitely think there is an increase, and I think it will be moving forward because I know there is still a lot of seniors that aren’t fully aware of what the transportation service offers.”

A lot of people assume it’s only to be used for things like medical appointments, but that is not the case.

“If it’s socializing, if it’s for visiting a loved one, if you have to pick up a prescription or drop off your mail, get groceries, medical appointments…it’s for anything you need it to be there for,” she said.

Every year, the centre chooses a ‘Mary’ that represents the seniors they serve.

Albert, the 2025 Mary, lost his class 1A license five years ago after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. The treatment and recovery process means he can no longer drive which was a devastating loss of independence.

Now, thanks to the ride service, he can still get to and from work twice per week.

To schedule a ride, residents can call 306-953-4477.

While some last-minute trips are available, those wanting to guarantee their ride can book up to two weeks ahead of time.

This year, Two Miles for Mary has had a few issues with one of their vehicles, so Pollock said the schedule can be even tighter, and on weekends there is only ever one driver on the road.

“So if it’s weekend trips or somewhere where you have to be at a specific time and there’s not a lot of flexibility in it, we definitely recommend booking in advance – that way you can go at the time you want to go at,” she said.

They do not offer evening services yet; the last ride is at 4:30 p.m. but at some point they would like to be able to.

“With this fundraising, we are hoping that, you know, one day we will have enough funds to operate that third vehicle and run it into the evening.”

The rides will accommodate people who use canes, walkers or need minor help with mobility, but people in wheelchairs can use Access Transit which is set up for those riders and has a full lift.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com