P.E.I. community raises enough for new accessibile van for woman with disabilities

A senior with disabilities living near Tignish has a new wheelchair van.

Last month, friends and family started fundraising to purchase a newer van for 66-year-old Gloria Ellsworth, aquadriplegic.

The fundraising efforts have brought in $41,000 enough to purchase a $38,000 van from a dealership in London, Ont., plus $3,000 for vehicleinsurance, registration, winter tires and gas cards for Ellsworth.

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'I'll be able to go further'

Ellsworth told CBC News in July how important the van is for getting around, including visiting hergrandchildren,great-grandchildren and a daughter living in the Maritimes.

"If I get a better one it'll be just great. I'll be able to go further. I wouldn't have to worry when I get in it, if I'm going to make it or not," she said.

This is the second time the community has come together to help Ellsworth with transportation. In 1989, the community raised fundsand bought the wheelchair-accessible van she's been using until now.

Life changed

Ellsworth's life changed in February 1974 when she was shot by nearby residentErnest DesRoches. That same night,DesRoches shot and killed Ellsworth's sister and brother-in-law at their home. DesRoches is serving a prison sentence in Ontario for those crimes.

The incident left Ellsworth with limited use of her hands and requiring the use of a wheelchair.

A community member has volunteered to goto Ontario free of charge to pick up the van. Heis expected to be back on the Island in the next couple of days. Ellsworth saysshe feels very lucky to have such kind friends in the community.

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