GREATER SUDBURY, January 25, 2022 – The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, together with a generous donation of $10,000 from Desjardins, and in partnership with Lockerby Taxi, is pleased to relaunch Project GoVax, to provide transportation to those in need to attend their COVID-19 vaccination appointments.  

Project GoVax was initially launched on May 18, 2021 and ended on August 4, 2021.  During this period, 639 rides were provided to area residents who had difficulty in accessing vaccination centres.  With the increased eligibility and availability of vaccines in Greater Sudbury, the chamber has once again partnered with Desjardins and Lockerby Taxi to deliver Project GoVax and transport people to-and-from their COVID-19 vaccination appointments free of charge.

“We are excited to be part of this wonderful initiative once again,” said Debbi Nicholson, President & CEO, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.  “The program saw great success last year as we were able to support hundreds of areas residents access vaccination centres who might otherwise not have been able to.” “We would also like to acknowledge the Ontario Chamber’s Ontario Vaccine Support Council for its continued efforts in helping to arrange this program,” Nicholson said.

“All of us were and still are affected in some way by COVID-19 and we want to do our part in working towards getting our economy and lives back to normal,” said Richard Dupuis, Senior Vice President, Business Banking at Desjardins Ontario Credit Union.  “For us, being an active member of our community means taking action when it counts.  Desjardins is pleased to support this great local initiative, once again.”

“Lockerby Taxi is once again excited to be partnering with the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce and Desjardins to bring back Project GoVax,” said Sharon Flinn, owner of Lockerby Taxi.  “It has now been almost two full years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel.  It is now more important than ever to ensure we are getting as many vaccinations and boosters into Greater Sudbury’s citizens as possible. We are amazed at the generosity of Desjardins with providing the vital funding needed for this program to succeed,” Flinn said.

Lockerby Taxi will provide a free ride to and from a vaccine centre in Greater Sudbury for anyone who has a confirmed vaccination appointment.  To book your ride, please call Lockerby Taxi at 705-522-2222 and request a ride through Project GoVax.  Please provide 24-48

hours of notice to schedule the trip.  While Lockerby Taxi tries its best to ensure customers are picked-up in a timely manner, there may be a waiting period due to the demand for this project. 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:

Maryse Thamby

Policy and Communications Manager

Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce

705-673-7133 ext. 221

maryse(at)sudburychamber(dot)ca

 The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce represents 700 businesses employing in excess of 27,000 employees and works on behalf of its members to influence municipal, provincial and federal legislation affecting the business community.

Download the media release here.