COVID-19Media Releases

GREATER SUDBURY, May 17, 2021 – The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, with a generous donation of $10,000 from Desjardins and in partnership with Lockerby Taxi, will launch Project GoVax on Tuesday, May 18, to provide transportation to those in need to attend their COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

With increased vaccine supplies allowing the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Greater Sudbury to accelerate, the chamber has partnered with local taxi company and chamber member Lockerby Taxi to deliver Project GoVax and transport people to-and-from their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Whether it be financial, transit frequency, or other barriers that prevent locals from making the trip, this program will help eliminate some of the challenges by providing a ride free of charge.

“We want to do our part to help our community get vaccinated and this program aims to remove some of the barriers members of our community may face in getting to their vaccine appointments,” said Debbi Nicholson, President & CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. “The Ontario Chamber’s Ontario Vaccine Support Council was crucial in helping arrange this partnership and we are thrilled to be a part of such an opportunity to help our community.”

“When we were approached with this initiative, we jumped on board right away. We believe in the importance of the vaccines and we are happy to contribute to this effort. No one should be deprived of being safe because of transportation!” said Richard Dupuis, Vice President Ontario, Business Banking at Desjardins. “Being part of the Sudbury community since 1913, Desjardins is always looking for ways to give back – it’s in our DNA. Working towards getting our economy and normal lives back with this effort is one of many.”

“Lockerby Taxi is excited to be partnered with the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce and Desjardins to launch Project GoVax. Lockerby has been offering a similar program since mid-March as a way to give back to our community we call home,” said Lockerby Taxi. “With this generous donation from Desjardins, we will be able to expand the program to the City of Greater Sudbury. Lockerby is eager to help get the community back to some sense of normality, and this financial support will assist in reaching our goal. We do want to remind those in need of a taxi ride to call at least 24 to 48hrs before your appointment to ensure we are able to meet your transportation needs.
We look forward to continuing to serve the community in this capacity.”

“Ontario’s business community is working proactively in the fight against COVID- 19. On behalf of the Ontario Vaccination Support Council and our Co-chairs from Bruce Power and Facebook Canada, we would like to thank our Council Member, Desjardins, for their generosity, and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce for their leadership on this important project,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “The Council now leverages membership of over 250 businesses, universities, colleges, associations, and labour unions from across the province looking to provide support to all 34 public health units to accelerate vaccination efforts. The faster the Ontario population is inoculated, the faster we can safely reopen and work together on the province’s economic recovery.”

Lockerby Taxi will provide a free ride to and from vaccine appointments to any Greater Sudbury resident in need, and the service will be available to anyone in the Greater Sudbury region who has booked an appointment at a vaccination centre in Greater Sudbury only. To book your ride, please call Lockerby Taxi at 705-522-2222 and request a ride through Project GoVax. Customers should have their vaccine appointments booked before calling Lockerby Taxi as they cannot book appointments on behalf of customers. Learn more about how to book a vaccine appointment here.

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For more information, please contact:
Syed Raza
Policy & Communications Manager
Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce
705-677-5735 (cell)
syed(at)sudburychamber(dot)ca

Download the media release here.