My name is Frith, and I am a concerned parent living in Cobden. I am reaching out for help because I almost can't afford to send my child to school safely each day.

Every morning, my child and several other students from Cobden face daunting challenges just to attend Grey High and other school. Besides the inherent dangers of crossing State Highway 6 multiple times, West Coast weather adds another layer of risk, bringing the threat of rain, wind, and chilly temperatures. Moreover, our children have to cross a vast and intimidating bridge during the busiest times of day.

Currently, most areas of Cobden fall just outside the Ministry of Education's designated bus zone, yet it supports 14 students who are included. This number doesn't accurately reflect the real need. Numerous Cobden families, particularly working families with high/school-aged children, face immense difficulties due to lack of adequate transport services. It is utterly unacceptable that our children’s safety and education are put at risk simply because of geographic boundaries set without considering real-world challenges.

The Ministry of Education needs to extend the designated school bus route to cover more areas in Cobden so that more families can have peace of mind regarding their children's education and safety. Ensuring that our children can attend school without the added stress and danger should be a priority for all involved in their education and wellbeing.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for the safety and fair treatment of Cobden's families and their children. We ask the Ministry of Education to reevaluate the bus routes to fully account for our community's needs. Join us in making a difference for these students, so that no parent has to worry about the safety of their child just to receive a basic education. Please sign and help bring about the change we desperately need.