They offer affordable, weekly round trips by bus to Red Deer from the Sylvan Lake area, for those aged 55 and older. Sometimes, they even transport outings to the big cities.

Not only that, they do it all on a volunteer basis.

The group is called the Sylvan Lake Seniors Bus Association, started in 1983 by a couple and kept running ever since by drivers and executives.

“We just carried on what they started. Every week, we go to Red Deer every Thursday to take people around. We used to just go to the malls but now we’ve changed and go to the hospital and any other stop that they want,” said Dave Dale, the group’s president and one of the drivers.

Rides to Red Deer are door-to-door for eight dollars.

On the group’s Facebook page, outings have been made to destinations like West Edmonton Mall, Yellowhead Casino, Ellis Bird Farm and the Track on 2.

That revenue is enough to keep the service sustainable, Dale said.

The one caveat is that the bus does not take those who use a wheelchair.

“We take walkers and stuff like that but wheelchairs, we’re volunteers. We’re not really equipped to handle wheelchairs. We don’t have the loading facilities, we don’t have any of that stuff,” Dale said.

The association has three drivers, who take turns giving rides.

Dale said they’re motivated by a desire to serve, and enjoy the company of riders.

“I figure that if I don’t volunteer and do this, they don’t go out. You know what, I’m not that busy. I can spend a few hours,” he said. “The seniors are good to deal with. They’re very appreciative. They’re thanking you so it makes you feel good.”