A Jamberoo man who relies on a mobility scooter to get around town woke to discover it had been stolen from his home a couple of weeks ago.
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Residents living in the close-knit village were in shock.
“Seriously? It's not a fun toy. It's someones lifeline to the community,” Jenny Aboozaid said via the Jamberoo What’s Happening community page.
A close friend of motorised wheelchair user Andrew Dawson acted swiftly, starting a Go Fund Me page, setting a target of $4000.
“I have known Andrew Dawson for many many years, had so many laughs are shared so many serious moments as well,” Erica Warren said.
“Andrew relies on his scooter to get around his home, to and from the IGA to get his groceries and over to the newsagency to grab his papers - along the way always having a chat to the locals and kids. This is the only way Andrew gets into town and the only way he can walk [his dog] Finbar.
“Andrew is the real deal, is such a wonderful man, full of character and even against the recent odds he has been dealt, continues to smile and make people's day with his wonderful attitude. Knowing Andrew, I know he puts on a brave face and would rarely ask for help, so how do you really know if one of your mates is really coping?”
Within 24 hours, thanks to local people, Erica had raised $5500.
Erica was on a high from the community’s generosity when a couple of Kiama rugby players astounded her.
Ryan Burke bought a mobility scooter to use while he recovered from an injury last season.
Knowing Ryan no longer needed it, Ryan’s friend, Sam Faires, told him he might have a buyer for the scooter.
“After reading Andrew's story, Ryan Burke, not ever having met Andrew, said straight up, ‘Andrew can have it for nothing,’” Erica said.
“Totally unbelievable, such an amazing selfless act of kindness.”
By Tuesday, people had donated more than $6000 to the cause.
Erica appealed to the community, asking if they would be happy to see the funds redirected into accessibility improvements at Andrew’s home.
“What has started with, 'Andrew needs a new scooter' is only scratching the surface and his needs go far beyond that,” she said.
“He has had his car into the smash repairs at least twice, because the gate at his home is very difficult for him to close. The gates don't stay open, so as he has driven out of his drive, the gate have damaged his car. What would be ideal is an automatic open/close gate.”
Locals overwhelmingly responded positively to Erica’s Facebook appeal.
“Anything Andy needs to make daily living a little easier would be money well spent; an electronic gate, car repairs and ramp upgrade sound like a good use of funds,” Janelle Newberry said.
The Go Fund Me page will be open until Friday, February 8. If you would like to donate or view the page, click here.