Community helps family get needed van
They needed more than $80,000, but the community rallied and now the Munro family of Titahi Bay can travel in safety and comfort.
Kaden Munro, 6, and his 5- year- old sister, Andie, have global developmental disability, which means they have autismlike symptoms. Both require therapy and powered wheelchairs to get around.
The van the family were using had a rudimentary ramp and mother Carly Pointon was straining her back to push them up it.
Two wheelchairs and three other siblings were squashed in to get to school, sport and other activities.
It has taken nearly a year of fundraising, but the $ 81,000 required – $56,000 for the Toyota van and $25,000 for modifications, including a hydraulic hoist – was raised. Along with Lotteries, Archway Trust and BNZ, schools in Porirua, Playcentre and donations through the givealittle website helped them over the line. Freemasons Lodge Mana gave $2000 towards the van.
Pointon said the outpouring of support was overwhelming at times.
‘‘We had to get such a big van [it holds 10 people and has ample room and fasteners for the wheelchairs], and there were times when I thought we couldn’t do it,’’ she said.
‘‘So many people have said to us that we’ve helped out others and now it was our turn, which is just so nice.’’