03/26/2025
A huge thank you to the Chamber for showcasing us!
🌟Member of the Week: Rose City Handivan Society 🌟
This week, we are excited to spotlight a cornerstone of our community – the Rose City Handivan Society, a non-profit organization with nearly 50 years of history dedicated to making transportation accessible for everyone.
Founded in 1976, the Rose City Handivan Society was born from a mission to provide transportation services for individuals facing barriers to traditional travel. Whether due to physical, mental, or financial challenges, many members of the community needed reliable and accessible transportation to meet their everyday needs. Rose City Handivan stepped in to fill that gap, becoming an essential service for those who would otherwise be left with few options.
What began with a single van and a vision to make a difference has now grown into an impressive fleet of 5 specialized buses, offering safe, reliable, and friendly transportation to individuals across the region. Over the years, the Society has expanded its services to cater to the growing demand, responding to the evolving needs of our community with compassion and care.
The society’s services are diverse and tailored to the needs of its clients. It helps individuals get to day programs, medical appointments, shopping excursions, and even festive events like the beloved Christmas Light tours, which have become a fan favorite. The Handivan also operates on a flexible fare system, offering monthly passes, punch cards, and individual bookings to ensure that all users can find an option that works for them.
In addition to serving individuals, Rose City Handivan has fostered partnerships with local school divisions, providing student transportation services, and extending its reach to rural areas through collaborations with Camrose County. This expanded service ensures that residents outside the immediate city limits can access the transportation they need, no matter where they live.
The Rose City Handivan Society’s role extends beyond just transportation. It’s a vital social service, helping people stay connected to their community, attend appointments, and live more independent, fulfilling lives. And it's not just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about providing peace of mind and dignity to those who rely on this essential service.
In addition to being a local lifeline, Rose City Handivan also operates the Camrose Community Bus, further enhancing public transportation options for the greater region.
A fun fact that truly demonstrates the scale and impact of the service: In 2024 alone, Rose City Handivan provided transportation to an astonishing 20,786 individuals, covering a total of 68,484 kilometers. That’s a lot of distance traveled, but more importantly, it’s a lot of lives touched.
This is the story of a community-driven organization that has grown and adapted over nearly five decades, and continues to play a vital role in ensuring that everyone has access to the transportation they need. The Rose City Handivan Society’s longevity and success are thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, staff, and supporters – and, of course, its community members who rely on its services every day.
Thank you, Rose City Handivan Society, for all you do! Your contributions to the community are immeasurable, and we’re proud to celebrate your 49 years of service.
Rose City Handivan Society – Making Transportation Accessible, One Ride at a Time.
