Drive on to keep the Beacon Buggy on the road
According to Beacon of HOPE Executive Director Nancy Cote, the Beacon is going to start a project looking for funds to continue running the Beacon Buggy program. This program enlists drivers to take Pine Islanders to medical appointments they could not get to otherwise. Cote said it costs approximately $1,000 in gas each month, currently. Driver Ava Bernard has been helping to raise funds for the program, Cote said, as she sees the cost of gas rising first-hand.
“We are going to start a campaign to try to raise funds because it is getting expensive and the longer it rides around, the more it needs services,” Cote said.
In an effort to help keep Pine Island’s Beacon Buggy on the Road, Cote has figured out exactly how much will be needed to continue to get islanders to their appointments off the island.
Pine Island is a place where neighbors look out for one another, she said, and the Beacon Buggy is a powerful example of that spirit in action. This month, the Beacon of Hope is asking residents and local businesses to step forward and support the Beacon Buggy fundraising campaign, ensuring this vital transportation service continues serving those who depend on it most.
“The Beacon Buggy provides free rides to medical appointments, grocery stores and essential services for neighbors who may otherwise have no way to get there,” Cote said.
Keeping the Buggy running costs about $1,000 per month, she said, explaining that this means covering fuel and routine maintenance and allowing for approximately 148 rides every month across Pine Island. When you give, she said, your donation is put to work immediately fueling rides and relieving real burdens for real people.
Every gift makes a measurable difference, she went on to say. A $250 donation sponsors about 37 rides, $500 supports roughly 74 rides and a $1,000 gift underwrites an entire month of safe, reliable transportation.
“These aren’t abstract numbers, they represent neighbors making it to doctor visits, picking up prescriptions and maintaining independence. We’re hoping to get sponsorship going for — a thousand covers gas and maintenance, which is what we usually do. The amount means that is the number of rides the person will be sponsoring to keep the buggy on the road, not including the salary for the drivers,” Cote said.
She insists that this donation will provide local businesses a meaningful opportunity to get involved, which is of major importance to islanders. Business sponsorships help sustain the Beacon Buggy, she said, while offering potential tax-deductible giving and positive community visibility.
“Supporting this campaign sends a clear message. Pine Island businesses care deeply about the people they serve,” Cote said.
She emphasized that for anyone looking to help, now is the time to act. Whether they are an individual donor or a business owner.
“Your support helps keep the Beacon Buggy rolling and ensures no Pine Island neighbor is left behind. Together, we can keep our community connected, caring, and moving forward,” Cote said.
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email