BCT receives donation of a minivan from a local couple

Bancroft Community Transit received a donated 2011 Honda Odyssey from Josh and Anastasija Mourtzanos, a gift that provided short-term relief as several fleet vehicles were under repair and fundraising continues for an accessible van.

Bancroft Community Transit received a donated 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan from local couple Josh and Anastasija Mourtzanos after the pair moved away for work and chose to give the vehicle instead of selling it. The van was donated on Dec. 16 and BCT shared the news on its Facebook page on Jan. 22. BCT is a non-profit that provides non-urgent medical transportation and has provided public transit in northern Hastings County for the past eight years. The organization has been facing vehicle shortages while it continues fundraising efforts. Key details: - The donated vehicle is a 2011 Honda Odyssey given to BCT by Josh and Anastasija Mourtzanos. - The van was donated on Dec. 16 and the donation was highlighted on BCT's Facebook page on Jan. 22. - The Mourtzanos moved to North Carolina and chose to donate the van rather than sell it. - Gwen Coish, BCT's director of operations, said the gift provided a reprieve while several other vehicles were out for repair. - BCT has provided non-urgent medical transportation since 2015 in Belleville and surrounding areas, operates a fixed route in the Town of Bancroft, and runs on-demand service from nearby townships. Summary: The donated minivan gave BCT short-term relief as it works to maintain services for people needing medical appointments and community connections. BCT leaders said the gift renewed their sense of purpose while fundraising continues to purchase an accessible van. Fundraising to replace aging vehicles and sustain services remains ongoing.