Long a staple for our off-site outings, the 15-passenger van has been replaced here at SCHC. In its place, we now have a spacious shuttle bus like the ones you might see curbside at the airport. It’s newer, bigger, and cleaner than the old girl, but I think there’s a small part of me that will miss it like you miss a well-worn pair of jeans when they finally get tossed.
For many years, clients sardined themselves into bench seats to and from outings of all types in Powell River, BC. While packing 13 guys into it after an hour of road hockey did often get a little too close for comfort, it certainly couldn’t help but knock down any walls that guys might be struggling to let go themselves.
With great amounts of playful self-deprecation and light-hearted jest, clients dubbed it both the “Druggie Buggie” and the “Alco-Hauler”. Not names that we ever promoted, but the new guys seemed to get a chuckle out of them, and you can never underestimate the value of a good laugh amidst the seriousness and difficulty of drug rehab and alcohol treatment.
While its main purpose was transporting clients, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that it also played a large role in many a client’s overall journey towards recovery.
