Fuel Good Day to Fund New Wheelchair-Accessible Van for the Movement Centre

Red River Co-op's annual fundraiser will help restore critical access to rehabilitation services and community participation for Manitobans with neuromotor disabilities.

On Tuesday, September 15, community members can fill their tanks and fuel positive change at Red River Co-op’s Fuel Good Day in support of the Movement Centre of Manitoba. For every litre of gas pumped at all Red River Co-op Gas Bars, eight-cents will be donated – the highest amount in the fundraiser’s history – to fund a new wheelchair-accessible van to help open pathways to independence and meaningful community connection for Manitobans with neuromotor disabilities. 

“Fuel Good Day is making a very real and immediate difference in the lives of children, youth and adults with neuromotor  disabilities by helping improve access to vital rehabilitation therapy and community interactions,” says Jennifer Wojcik, Executive Director of the Movement Centre of Manitoba. “Thanks to the generosity of Red River Co-op and the community, funds raised will realize our dream of purchasing a new wheelchair-accessible van, ensuring uninterrupted rehabilitation towards greater independence, dignity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.”

The Movement Centre of Manitoba has been transforming the lives of individuals with neuromotor disabilities for nearly 30 years. Since 2021, the Centre’s previous wheelchair-accessible van has been a vital lifeline for clients and families providing access not only to rehabilitation services but also to meaningful opportunities for community participation and inclusion. More than just a vehicle, the van supported clients’ rehabilitation journeys by helping them build confidence, independence and essential life skills in real-world settings. Following a recent unexpected issue that permanently sidelined the Centre’s  van, the need for a new van has become urgent. For many clients, the Centre’s transportation service is the only way they can access the specialized rehabilitation programs that support their progress and quality of life. A new wheelchair-accessible van will ensure safe, reliable and uninterrupted access to rehabilitation while continuing to open doors to community engagement and inclusion.

“When we learned about the Movement Centre’s urgent need for a new wheelchair-accessible van, we knew this was a cause our members and customers in the communities we serve would rally behind,” says Craig Gilpin, CEO of Red River Co-op. “A new vehicle is critical to helping clients access rehabilitation services and participate in their communities. We encourage everyone to fill up, make a purchase, or donate at the check-out for Fuel Good Day to help drive access, independence and inclusion for Manitobans with neuromotor disabilities."

Every year on Fuel Good Day, Co-ops across Western Canada donate a minimum of five-cents per litre of fuel purchased at participating gas bars to local charities. Since Fuel Good Day started in 2017, Red River Co-op has donated over $596,000 to local non-profit organizations. Last year, Red River Co-op’s Fuel Good Day raised $130,000 for Manitoba Possible.

How to Support the Movement Centre:

• Fuel Up: Eight-cents of every litre of fuel sold at all Red River Co-op Gas Bars on September 15 will be donated.
• Purchase Drinks: One-dollar from every Co-operative Coffee and Big Cool purchased on September 15 will be donated.
• Purchase Propane: Five-cents per pound of propane purchased on September 15 will be donated.
  
• Purchase an Extreme Car Wash: From September 9 to 15, two-dollars from every Extreme Car Wash purchased will be donated. Car Wash Codes purchased during this timeframe can be redeemed in the future and have no expiry.
• Donate at Check-out: From September 1 to 15, customers can make a donation at the till in all Red River Co-op Gas Bars, Food Stores, and two stand-alone Pharmacies.