Lisa Doucette gets her van
Fundraising committee nearing end of campaign
If she were to choose to make a trip to Toronto or even Out West, Lisa Doucette now has the wheels to get her there, but really, it’s the everyday things she’s looking forward to in her new-to-her van.
“I can go for a said.
She’s also looking forward to visiting F. J. Shea and Sons – Frankie’s – store in St. Louis. “I miss going to Frankie’s. I was there pretty nearly every day,” she recalled.
That was before multiple sclerosis whittled away at her mobility and left her in a wheelchair. The Doucettes had an old van, but transferring her from a lift to the passenger seat left both Doucette and her caregiver exhausted. So she started ordering groceries and necessities over the phone.
A fundraising committee visited Doucette’s home in Palmer Road on Wednesday to officially present her with an accessible 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Savaria van. The low-to-the ground van has a remote-operated fold-out ramp and room for Doucette to steer her wheelchair into the front passenger position.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Doucette. “It’s hard to believe you guys did what you did, all of you.” coffee,” she
She was directing her comments not only at the committee but to everyone who supported the campaign to get her a van. The committee started raising funds to purchase a van for Doucette in September. The vehicle arrived last week.
“It really opens a person’s eyes to know there are that many people who care,” Doucette reflected.
“A lot of generous people stepped up to the plate,” committee member Angela Callaghan acknowledged. Rounding out the fundraising committee are Janie McRae, Susan Gaudet, June Gaudet, Vernon Gaudette and family members of Lisa’s, her mom, Myra Shea, aunt Della McKenna and sister Krystal Lynch.
“God bless you all,” Doucette said in expressing her gratitude.
The committee paid $37,000, for the used van, which was already retrofitted to be wheelchair accessible. Vernon Gaudette arranged with Michael Corcoran and Harmony Transport to float the vehicle to Miscouche from Goldline Mobility in London, Ont., and he delivered it the rest of the way.
“It was a great pleasure working with a fine crew of women who knew how to organize and to raise money,” Gaudette commented.
The van has just 34,000 kilometres on it and is in “tip-top shape,” Gaudette reported.
A benefit night, prize/craft Bingo, lotteries and donations covered the purchase price. Doucette’s aunt Della, who lives in Charlottetown, assisted the committee, raising over $8,500 for the cause through ticket sales and in seeking donations. Her efforts also resulted in Doucette being put in touch with an individual who supplied her with a natural product that she says has given her improved muscle control in her legs and arms.
The committee has one last fundraising event left, a Dec. 4 lottery draw for $500 in Christmas cash.
All committee members as well as Doucette are selling lottery tickets. The proceeds from that draw are expected to cover remaining costs associated with getting the van on the road.