GRAVELBOURG — Linda Roberts saw a need and acted on it.
The Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle began in 2018-19 because Roberts started the ball rolling early, along with her husband, Brian. The organization bid farewell to its inaugural founder and leader as they relocated to another community.
Roberts enlisted Lynn Holmes and Betty Hawkins in her mission to create available transportation for those in need from their community and outlying communities.
GCS tells the Assiniboia Times, “The idea originated with Linda and her husband Brian after the closure of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) left a major transportation gap for medical travel. After the STC bus service shut down in 2017, Gravelbourg residents lost their only public transportation link to larger centres.”
Roberts and Holmes began asking residents whether they would use a medical shuttle if one existed. Within two short hours, more than 100 people said yes, and the vision-to-reality project began.
Roberts and her husband moved to Gravelbourg in 2007, as they wanted to age in place without having to move to a city for medical access. Thus realizing the only missing piece in their new community was transportation to medical appointments, they kickstarted the unique southern Saskatchewan transportation option for many.
Roberts, Holmes and Hawkins became the three directors of this new organization. In addition to surveying the community, they incorporated as a non-profit organization within a month. They also quickly went to work on beginning to build the volunteer-run model, as well as preparing to become a registered charity.
The Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle began operating in early July 2019, offering weekly trips to Moose Jaw and Regina for medical appointments. A public launch celebration was held in mid-July of that year.
Roberts is credited with being a co-founder, director, public spokesperson and strong advocate for government support during her involvement with this community organization.
GCS says, “She has spoken openly about: the lack of provincial funding, the heavy reliance on volunteers and the shuttle’s importance for seniors and medically vulnerable residents.”
The organization also acknowledges that Roberts’ contributions included identifying the transportation gap after STC’s closure, initiating the idea with her husband, Brian, recruiting co-founders, leading community surveys, helping incorporate the non-profit, serving as a director and spokesperson, and advocating for funding and recognition.
On June 2, tribute was paid to Roberts at her last monthly meeting before she and her husband began their next chapter in another community.
Her farewell recognition included these words: “Linda has been a pillar of this community and a founder of the Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle idea. Her vision, compassion, and determination helped create a service that has changed countless lives in our town and surrounding area. Her commitment, insight, and countless volunteer hours have been invaluable to our organization and to the wider community."
The moment was marked with cake and champagne, but others remarked that no celebration could ever capture how deeply Roberts will be missed, as she has offered a steady voice of care and a true example of what community service looks like.
Linda Roberts will forever be remembered for driving change and leaving a legacy in the community of Gravelbourg.
