Bunyard Automotive, Colfax, donates van to ministry

Bunyard's Automotive in Colfax donated an ADA accessible van to Changing Lives ministry in Spokane July 24 after purchasing the vehicle from COAST transportation in Colfax. Changing Lives ministry at the Mosaic Center in Spokane is a group gathering to share experiences with depression, addiction, eating disorders and so on. The group meets every Saturday afternoon.

Co-owner Jacob Bunyard said this isn't the first time their business has donated a vehicle.

"We lend a hand to people who need a hand up, not a hand out," Bunyard said.

Bunyard said Changing Lives was looking for a van, and it was a perfect fit for them.

Paige Collins, Whitman County Council on Aging executive director, said when COAST has ADA accessible vehicles that cost more for upkeep than they are worth, they sell the vehicles to non-profits or churches for a low price.

Catalyst Church in Colfax bought a few vans, then a mechanic at the church offered to fix them so they could be used to transport those in need of a ride to the church, she said.

The van bought by the Bunyards had $2,200 worth of suspension work needing to be done. Bunyard offered to complete the work before donating the van. The 1998 Dodge mini van had 280,000 miles on it. It was retro-fitted to be ADA accessible.

"We still want people to get use out of that vehicle," Collins said.

COAST currently has 15 vans and small buses to provide rides. Volunteers also use their personal cars to give rides. Collins requested people call ahead two days to request a ride.

"It's a ride for anyone in need of a ride," she said.