The Central Otago Living Options Support Group, based in Alexandra, lost its sole mode of transport when it was written off in an accident earlier this year. Community group organiser Glenice Herbert said it had relied on hiring vehicles to ferry members.
This week the group received the welcome news it had been chosen out of 20 other groups to receive a five-seater van with a hoist lift. Mosgiel residents Donna and Mark McLay decided to give the van to a worthy cause, a year after their youngest daughter Olivia, who was 9, died of a rare disease called metachromatic leukodystrophy, which affects the nerve endings and the brain.
The McLays were given the van four years ago by the Corry Community Foundation of Wellington and had used it for family outings. Mr McLay said handing over the keys was an emotional time for him and his wife as it had sat idle in the back yard, reminding them of their Olivia.
Holding back tears, both Mr and Mrs McLay said they hoped the support group could get as much use out of the van as they had.
''I want it to be used the way we used it and treated the way we treated it,'' Mrs McLay said.
She was pleased the van was going to a group that needed it.
Mrs Herbert said the van would make the world of difference to the small organisation that helps up to 30 people in and around Alexandra.
''It [Alexandra] doesn't have a public transport system or taxi service.''
When she heard the news that the support group had been picked above the other applicants Mrs Herbert said she was overwhelmed.
''It is an amazing gift and it's going to be fabulous. It will give us a lot more options.''
''It will be used every day.''
