Two Miles for Mary

Each year, Two Miles for Mary gives a voice to the local seniors who rely on the Community Service Centre’s Seniors Transportation program. One rider is chosen to represent “Mary” and help share the story of why safe, affordable, and compassionate transportation matters.

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This year, that name has an extra-special meaning.

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Meet Mary - our 2026 “Mary.”

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At 88 years old, Mary Remus is a fierce and determined woman who has always worked hard, valued the simple things in life and, above all, put her family first.

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Born in Manitoba and proud of her Ukrainian heritage, Mary later made Prince Albert home after moving here when her daughter, Janet, accepted a new position in the community.

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When Janet talks about her mom, it’s the simple things Mary has always loved that come to mind—her cozy home, her garden, her flowers and, perhaps most of all, her pumpkins.

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Mary took tremendous pride in her garden and everything she was able to grow. She especially loved growing pumpkins, which combined perfectly with another of her favourite pastimes: baking. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake - you name it. As Janet fondly remembers, for Mary it was always “pumpkin everything.”

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Mary has also always appreciated having a comfortable home filled with things she finds beautiful. She never needed anything extravagant—a cozy little house, pretty ornaments and a nice coffee table meant far more to her than anything big or fancy. She liked to be neat and well-kept, but when given the choice, comfort always won over fashion.

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For more than 10 years, another important part of Mary's life has been Seniors Transportation.

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After Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Janet and Mary decided that attending the Herb Bassett Day Centre would give Mary opportunities for stimulation, activity and social connection. What began as one day a week gradually grew to four days—and Seniors Transportation became the reliable connection that helped make those days possible.

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Today, Mary has a group of friends at the Day Centre and looks forward to seeing them. She especially enjoys the music at the program and is a big fan of local musician Donny Parenteau, whose music is always a favourite when she gets the chance to hear it. She knows the routine of the Seniors Transportation vehicle arriving to pick her up, and on the days she isn't attending, Janet says Mary is often watching the clock, wondering how much longer she has to wait before she gets to go back.

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Those rides have become about much more than transportation.

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Over the years, the Seniors Transportation drivers have developed a special bond with Mary. Janet says what stands out most is how genuinely they care for her mom. They make sure Mary is safely buckled into the vehicle, listen to her, pay attention to her needs and help her safely into the Day Centre—sometimes offering an arm for support as they walk inside together.

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That level of care has given Mary something incredibly important: familiarity, comfort and a sense of safety. It has also made an enormous difference for Janet, who is Mary's full-time caregiver and her primary family support.

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While Mary is enjoying time at the Day Centre, Janet has time to take care of household responsibilities, attend appointments and have some much-needed time for herself. Having that support helps Janet continue caring for her mom at home - something that is incredibly important to both of them.

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For their family, Seniors Transportation supports independence on both sides: Mary can continue getting out of the house, socializing and participating in a program she loves, while Janet receives some of the support she needs to continue in her role as caregiver. Without services like these, Janet believes their circumstances could look very different and Mary may require a higher level of residential care.

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That is why Janet believes Seniors Transportation is one of the most important services available to seniors in Prince Albert.

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When asked what she would say to someone considering a donation to Two Miles for Mary, Janet's message is simple: your donation helps seniors stay connected, maintain their dignity and continue living life on their own terms.

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That support doesn’t stop with the rider—it also reaches the family members and caregivers who love and support them every day.

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Janet hopes continued community support will help Seniors Transportation grow in the future - with more vehicles on the road, expanded service hours and perhaps even larger vehicles that can better accommodate seniors with limited mobility.

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And this year’s campaign has one particularly special connection for Mary.

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Whenever she sees the Seniors Transportation vehicle, Mary notices something familiar on the side.

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 “My name Mary is on the vehicle—that’s me.”

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 It’s a small moment that has become very special for Mary and Janet - and one that always brings a smile to the Seniors Transportation drivers who have come to know her so well. And this year, Mary really can say it’s her. 

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We are honoured to introduce Mary as our 2026 “Mary” and grateful to Mary and Janet for allowing us to share their story.

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Through Two Miles for Mary, every donation helps keep Seniors Transportation safe and affordable so that local seniors like Mary can continue getting where they need—and want—to go.

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Because sometimes a ride is about much more than getting from one place to another. It can be a connection to friendship, independence, dignity and home.