An initiative to provide transportation to individuals looking to attend their COVID-19 vaccine appointments will launch on May 18.
Thanks to a donation of $10,000 from Desjardins, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Lockerby Taxi will launch Project GoVax on May 18.
With increased vaccine supplies allowing the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Greater Sudbury to accelerate, the chamber has partnered with local taxi company and chamber member Lockerby Taxi to deliver Project GoVax and transport people to-and-from their COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
Whether it be financial, transit frequency, or other barriers that prevent locals from making the trip, this program will help eliminate some of the challenges by providing a ride free of charge.
“We want to do our part to help our community get vaccinated and this program aims to remove some of the barriers members of our community may face in getting to their vaccine appointments,” said Debbi Nicholson, president and CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.
“The Ontario Chamber’s Ontario Vaccine Support Council was crucial in helping arrange this partnership and we are thrilled to be a part of such an opportunity to help our community.”
Richard Dupuis, Desjardins Ontario vice-president of business banking, said the company jumped on board when they were approached about offering support.
“We believe in the importance of the vaccines and we are happy to contribute to this effort. No one should be deprived of being safe because of transportation,” said Dupuis.
Lockerby Taxi will provide a free ride to and from vaccine appointments to any Greater Sudbury resident in need, and the service will be available to anyone in the Greater Sudbury region who has booked an appointment at a vaccination centre in Greater Sudbury only.
“Lockerby Taxi is excited to be partnered with the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce and Desjardins to launch Project GoVax. Lockerby has been offering a similar program since mid-March as a way to give back to our community we call home,” said Lockerby Taxi.
“With this generous donation from Desjardins, we will be able to expand the program to the City of Greater Sudbury. Lockerby is eager to help get the community back to some sense of normality, and this financial support will assist in reaching our goal.”
Lockerby asks those who need to access the service should contact Lockerby Taxi at least 24 to 48hrs before your appointment.
To book your ride, call Lockerby Taxi at 705-522-2222 and request a ride through Project GoVax.
Customers should have their vaccine appointments booked before calling Lockerby Taxi as they cannot book appointments on behalf of customers. Learn more about how to book a vaccine appointment here.
