Donated cars welcomed
A South Auckland driving school is spinning its wheels with joy after being gifted two brand new vehicles.
Construction company Fulton Hogan donated the Holden Barinas to charity Behind the Wheel, which works to reduce the high crash rate among young drivers.
Fulton Hogan Auckland regional manager Matthew MacMahon handed the cars over to the Mangere-based charity on June 12.
Spokeswoman Maree Mahony says the business originally won a $62,000 Nissan ute in a promotion run by Bunnings Warehouse.
The company swapped the ute for two Holden Barina cars to give to Behind the Wheel.
Pikura Purotu, who’s one of the charity’s managers, says the donation will help to equip its driving workshops.
‘‘We’ve been approaching sponsors for a used car for months without success. Not in my wildest dreams did I think we’d end up with two new vehicles.’’
Being a licensed driver can help people with employment and job security, she says.
Behind the Wheel is supported and funded the NZ Transport Agency, ACC and Auckland Transport.
The organisation offers workshops and classes for young people to teach them how to drive safely and guide them through the process of getting their licence.
Applicants can take lessons or workshops at a subsidised price with qualified instructors who help them at each licensing stage.
‘‘Not in my wildest dreams did I think we'd end up with two new vehicles.’’