Help us bring home a safe, reliable van so kids in this community never miss a day of school because they had no way to get there.
The Need
For many kids in this community, the walk to school isn't safe: long distances, no sidewalks, no dependable way to get there and back. When there's no ride, kids miss school, and missed school adds up fast for a child already facing more obstacles than most.
What We're Buying
A 2019 to 2021 Ford Transit 350 XLT, a 15-passenger van built specifically for the job. From 2020 onward, the Transit comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection, with blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control available as options. It's a non-CDL vehicle, meaning our own staff can drive it without a special license, and it's a platform mechanics everywhere know well, which matters for a vehicle running rough roads in a maintenance-limited area.
Why This Vehicle, at This Price
A new 15-passenger van in this class starts north of $60,000, well outside what this cause needs to raise. But a clean, low-mileage 2019 to 2021 Ford Transit 350 XLT, already equipped with modern safety features, typically runs $22,000 to $25,000 on the used market, right in this campaign's $25,000 goal. That's the sweet spot: full safety equipment, a reliable and well-known platform, at a fraction of the cost of new.
Why It Matters
A reliable ride means a student shows up to class instead of missing another day. It means parents don't have to choose between getting to work and getting their kids to school safely. One van, used every school day, keeps a whole group of kids connected to their education, and to the community activities that happen around it.
Goal: $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a van instead of a bus?
A 15-passenger van covers the same route and rider count a small school bus would, at a fraction of the purchase price, insurance cost, and licensing requirement, since it doesn't require a commercial driver's license to operate.
What safety features does it have?
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection come standard on 2020 and newer Transit models, with blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control available.
Is this vehicle new or used?
Used. A well-maintained 2019 to 2021 model gives us the same safety equipment as a new van, at less than half the cost.
What will this van be used for?
Daily school transport for children in the community, plus trips to other community activities tied to the ministry's work.
