The Fernie Branch of the Nelson Car Share Co-op has been shortlisted as a finalist for the East Kootenay Community Credit Union's 'Community Award' and is looking for your support!
The Community Award is a 4 year $100'000 commitment from the EKCCU and this year, $12'500 will be awarded in Fernie and $12'500 in Elkford.
Fernie's Car Share Branch have applied for this valuable funding in order to facilitate the purchase of a reliable truck for our community. If successful, the truck would be permanently located in Fernie for all Car Share Co-op members to use.
Why should you support the purchase of a vehicle for someone else?
The Car Share Co-op:
- is a unique resource that can help to attract individuals and businesses to town.
- provides low income individuals and families with access to a selection of reliable vehicles to best suit their needs.
- is open to everyone. All that is required to join is a $500 fully refundable member share and a valid BC driver's license with 3 years of clean driving history.
- is a great way to have regular access to a primary, secondary or occasional vehicle without having to worry about the associated costs or unexpected repairs.
Many of our members could afford their own vehicles. We chose Carsharing as a more sustainable, community-minded, co-operative, sustainable, environmentally conscious transportation option.
What are the benefits for non-members and our community?
Car sharing:
- encourages responsible growth and maximizes usage of available resources.
- promotes healthy lifestyles including walking and biking by encouraging only essential use of vehicles without restricting leisure use. More people walking and biking on our streets= happy, friendly community.
- is great for infrastructure; requires less available parking, reduces congestion and limits road wear.
- is good for the environment; less driving means less emissions means cleaner air & water.
Why does the Car Share Branch deserve your vote?
- Car Sharing has many benefits for everyone but is not as emotive as other causes and is therefore hard to fundraize for by traditional methods. Your vote shows your support for a valuable resource for Fernie.
- This is an opportunity to help change mindsets. It's not easy to give up your vehicle or get your head around relying entirely on a shared vehicle- but our members love it! Try it, you might like it too! Imagine never having to pay another repair bill...
- Car Sharing supports a 'Fernie way of life' in an environmentally friendly way.
- Vehicles are here to stay. Supporting car sharing shows a commitment to the environment, community and responsible growth without having to restrict your essential or leisure use.
Watch for our info segments on Radio and TV over the next month and show your support by voting at the East Kootenay Community Credit Union on April 8th & 9th. (Voting is open to EKCCU members only.)
About the Nelson Car Share Co-op:
- Operates 16 vehicles for over 170 members in 5 communities in the Kootenays.
- Members have access to all of the NCSC vehicles and the vehicles of the Vancouver and Victoria Car Share Co-ops.
- Fernie Branch added in March 2009 with 6 members and a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire.
- Currently working on re-branding to establish a more universal name encompassing all the Kootenay Communities.
- Has supported start-up operations in other larger communities.
- Was fully volunteer driven until August 2009, when a part-time manager was employed. Is still primarily volunteer driven. -Branch communities have a volunteer 'contact person.'
- Has the lowest member fees of ANY Car Share organization in North America.
- For more information please visit www.nelsoncar.com
The Nelson Car Share Co-op congratulates all of the very deserving finalists for the Community Award and wishes everyone the best of luck!
